JeremiahsCPs at English Wikipedia · Public domain
About
A highly localized and endangered tropical pitcher plant, *Nepenthes khasiana* is notable for being the only species of the genus native to India. It is believed to attract prey using a distinctive blue fluorescence.
Field notes
Distribution & habitat
Endemic to the Khasi Hills region of Meghalaya, with isolated populations also found in the Jaintia Hills, the Baghmara area of the Garo Hills, the Upper Kharthong area of Dima Hasao district Assam, and parts of Nagaland.
Ecology
It is thought to attract prey by means of blue fluorescence.
History & etymology
The specific epithet khasiana was formally published in Joseph Dalton Hooker's 1873 monograph, "Nepenthaceae," and was previously confused in the late 19th century with *N. distillatoria* of Sri Lanka.
Conservation
It is classified as endangered and is listed under CITES Appendix I, prohibiting commercial international trade. Threats include habitat destruction, acid mine drainage associated with coal mining, and collection for medicinal and ornamental uses.
Habitat
- Altitude
- 500–1,500 m
- Altitude Class
- intermediate
- Native To
- India
- IUCN Status
- Endangered
Taxonomy
- Described
- 1873
- Authority
- Hook.f.
Cultivation
- Difficulty
- intermediate
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