Shawn Mayes · CC BY-SA 3.0
About
A spectacular and robustly growing species, *Nepenthes jacquelineae* is notable for its large, highly variable pitchers and the unique, large crater-like nectar glands found on the underside of its lid. It is endemic to the Barisan Mountains of Sumatra.
Field notes
Morphology
The plant is a climbing species with cylindrical-angular stems up to 5 m long. Leaves are ovate-spathulate, coriaceous, and up to 20 cm long. Lower pitchers are relatively small (up to 6 cm high and 4 cm wide), infundibular, and bear a wide, flattened peristome (≤10 mm wide). Upper pitchers are much larger, reaching up to 15 cm high and 10 cm wide, with reduced wings and greatly expanded peristomes up to 3.5 cm wide. The lid is narrowly ovate (up to 5 cm long and 2 cm wide) and features large crater-like glands. Pitcher colors range from light green to dark purple, with the most common form having green pitchers and a red peristome.
Distribution & habitat
Endemic to the Barisan Mountains, specifically found in the Indonesian province of West Sumatra. It thrives at an altitudinal range of 1,700–2,200 m above sea level.
Ecology
The species is primarily insectivorous, trapping prey using a highly viscous pitcher fluid that functions both as a pitfall trap and a flypaper trap. The large nectar glands on the lid lure insects, while the dark peristome may act as a light trap, attracting flying insects like bees and moths. Lower pitchers can also trap small terrestrial animals such as snails when embedded in moss.
History & etymology
Discovered in July 2000 by Charles Clarke and Troy Davis, and formally described in Clarke's 2001 monograph, *Nepenthes of Sumatra and Peninsular Malaysia*. The species is named after Charles Clarke's wife, Jacqueline Clarke.
Conservation
Unofficially evaluated as Data Deficient (DD) in 2001, with wild populations considered particularly vulnerable to overcollection.
Habitat
- Altitude
- 1,700–2,200 m
- Altitude Class
- highland
- Native To
- Sumatra, Indonesia
- IUCN Status
- Data Deficient
Taxonomy
- Described
- 2001
- Authority
- C.Clarke, Troy Davis & Tamin
Cultivation
- Difficulty
- intermediate
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