N. macrophylla x lowii (N. x trusmadiensis)
hirosi SBM · Public domain
About
Nepenthes macrophylla is a large-leaved, climbing tropical pitcher plant endemic to a restricted elevation on Mount Trusmadi in Sabah, Malaysian Borneo. It is recognized for its robust, large pitchers and impressive leaf dimensions.
Field notes
Morphology
This climbing plant has stems that can exceed 10 meters in length and up to 10 mm in diameter. The leaves are coriaceous and petiolate, with blades reaching up to 60 cm by 20 cm. The pitchers are robust and almost woody, with lower pitchers reaching up to 35 cm high by 15 cm wide. The peristome is cylindrical and expanded, featuring prominent downward-pointing teeth, and the pitchers often display yellow coloration.
Distribution & habitat
It is known only from the summit area of Mount Trusmadi in Sabah, Malaysian Borneo. The species occurs at a specific altitudinal range, generally between 2,200 m and 2,642 m. Its typical habitat is mossy montane forest found along ridge tops.
Ecology
The plant has formed a mutualistic relationship with the mountain treeshrew (*Tupaia montana*). The pitchers exude a sugary reward on the lid, which attracts the treeshrew, allowing the animal to defecate valuable nitrogen into the pitchers. This mechanism suggests the pitcher orifice size matches the dimensions of the treeshrew.
Cultivation notes
The typical habitat involves marked temperature fluctuations, ranging from a nighttime minimum of 5 °C to a noon maximum of around 30 °C. It requires high relative humidity, often experiencing mist and clouds in the late evening. While specific growth rates are not detailed, it thrives in montane forest conditions.
History & etymology
Although long known on Mount Trusmadi, *Nepenthes macrophylla* was initially considered a subspecies of *N. edwardsiana*. An early collection was made by Johannes Marabini in 1983. The species was formally elevated to distinct species status in the 1997 monograph by Matthew Jebb and Martin Cheek.
Conservation
Due to its restricted natural range and the fact that Mount Trusmadi does not receive the same level of protection as Mount Kinabalu, it is classified as Critically Endangered on the 2006 IUCN Red List. The primary threats include over-collection and habitat damage caused by visitors.
Habitat
- Altitude
- 2,200–2,642 m
- Altitude Class
- highland
- Native To
- Borneo, Sabah, Malaysia
- IUCN Status
- Critically Endangered
Taxonomy
- Described
- 1997
- Authority
- (Marabini) Jebb & Cheek
Cultivation
- Difficulty
- expert
- Temperature
- Day 15–22°C / Night 5–12°C
- Humidity
- 70–95%
In My Collection 2 plants
Crossed N. Macrophylla with another species?
Register the cross — if it's not yet documented you'll be the first contributor. If someone already registered it, you'll be redirected to add your photo.