JeremiahsCPs · CC BY-SA 3.0
About
A striking highland species, *Nepenthes muluensis* is notable for its distinctive pitcher coloration and the unique morphology of its upper pitchers, which often feature a white lid and a round mouth. It is endemic to the mountainous regions of Borneo, forming dense stands of white-speckled pitchers in summit heath forest.
Field notes
Morphology
The plant is a climbing species with a stem up to 4 m long. Leaves are coriaceous, lanceolate, and up to 8 cm long by 1.5 cm wide, with an amplexicaul sheath at the base. Lower pitchers are ovate to cylindrical/conical, up to 7 cm high and 3 cm wide, featuring a peristome with small distinct teeth. Upper pitchers are generally cylindrical, reaching 10 cm in height and 2 cm in width, and possess a pair of ribs instead of wings. The species completely lacks indumentum, being glabrous.
Distribution & habitat
Endemic to Borneo, found in highland habitats between 1,700 and 2,400 m above sea level. Specific locations include the western ridge of Mount Mulu, Sarawak, and also populations on Mount Api, Mount Murud, and Bukit Batu Lawi in Sarawak and southwestern Sabah.
Ecology
The species grows in nutrient-deficient soils of the upper montane zone, typically in open areas of mossy forest. On Mount Murud, it is noted that two true toad species, *Pelophryne linanitensis* and *Pelophryne murudensis*, are sympatric and may breed in its pitchers.
History & etymology
First collected by Mitsuru Hotta on March 18, 1964, and described in 1966, named after Mount Mulu. The holotype is deposited at the Botany Department of Kyoto University. It was the first *Nepenthes* species described in 26 years.
Conservation
Listed as Least concern on the IUCN Red List (2018 assessment), though it was previously assessed as Vulnerable (2000) and Endangered (1995).
Habitat
- Altitude
- 1,700–2,400 m
- Altitude Class
- highland
- Native To
- Borneo
- IUCN Status
- Least Concern
Taxonomy
- Described
- 1966
- Authority
- M.Hotta
Cultivation
- Difficulty
- intermediate
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