Alfindra Primaldhi · CC BY 3.0
About
A notable Sumatran endemic, *Nepenthes izumiae* is a climbing pitcher plant distinguished by its typically orbicular pitcher lid, broader pitchers, and a unique basal crest on the underside of the lid. It is often found epiphytically on moss-covered branches in montane forests.
Field notes
Morphology
The climbing plant can reach up to 8 m in height, with stems ranging from green to reddish. The lamina is lanceolate or spathulate, measuring up to 28 cm long by 8 cm wide, and may have a frilled margin. Lower pitchers are typically ovate to half-cylindrical, reaching 30 cm in height by 6 cm in width, and feature a conspicuous hip. The peristome is cylindrical at the front, becoming flattened and broader towards the sides, with ribs up to 2 mm high and teeth up to 8 mm long. The operculum is ovate to orbicular with a cordate base and a basal crest; it measures up to 6 cm by 4.5 cm. Upper pitchers are smaller, reaching 20 cm by 4 cm, and the peristome is cylindrical, bearing ribs up to 0.5 mm high and teeth up to 1.5 mm long. The species bears a racemose inflorescence up to 18 cm long.
Distribution & habitat
Endemic to Sumatra, Indonesia, found in montane forest at an altitudinal range of 1,700–1,900 m above sea level. It is specifically recorded from two peaks north of Bukittinggi in the Barisan Mountains.
Ecology
The species typically inhabits upper montane mossy forest, where conditions are moist and sunlight is diffused. It is most commonly epiphytic on moss-covered branches but can also grow terrestrially over a layer of moss. It is naturally sympatric with *N. dubia* and *N. gymnamphora*.
History & etymology
The species was formally described by Troy Davis, Charles Clarke, and Rusjdi Tamin in 2003. The specific epithet izumiae honors Izumi Davis, wife of Troy Davis. The holotype was collected in the Barisan Mountains, north of Bukittinggi, on July 13, 2000.
Conservation
The only known populations lie outside the boundaries of national parks. It is considered to be at significant risk of being poached and over collected, and is also threatened by forest and shrub fires as well as land development.
Habitat
- Altitude
- 1,700–1,900 m
- Altitude Class
- highland
- Native To
- Sumatra
- IUCN Status
- Least Concern
Taxonomy
- Described
- 2003
- Authority
- Troy Davis, C.Clarke & Tamin
Cultivation
- Difficulty
- intermediate
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