Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Division | Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) (Dicotyledon) |
|---|---|
| Plant Growth Form | Climber |
| Lifespan (in Singapore) | Perennial |
| Mode of Nutrition | Autotrophic, Heterotrophic |
| Maximum Height | 4.5 m |
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | The Philippines |
|---|---|
| Native Habitat | Terrestrial |
| Preferred Climate Zone | Tropical |
| Local Conservation Status | Non-native |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | Terrestrial or epiphytic climber up to 4.5 m tall. |
|---|---|
| Foliage | Smooth, glossy leaves have a wavy leaf margin and blunt-ended leaf tip (i.e., truncate). The leaf tip has an indentation at the midrib which makes the leaf heart-shaped. The pitcher trap formed at the end of the leaf tip is one of the largest among Nepenthes species at up to 40 cm long. The lid of the pitcher is greenish yellow with red spots and butterfly-shaped with a keel-like appendage underneath. Cultivated specimens have been recorded to catch mice, rats and lizards. |
| Flowers | The inflorescence is 80-125 cm long and composed of yellowish green flowers. |
| Fruit | The seeds are 12-15 mm long. |
| Habitat | This species is found in humid lowland and highland tropics. |
| Cultivation | This species can be grown on a sunny windowsill. Although humid, moist conditions are ideal, it also tolerates low humidity and temporary dry spells. |
| Etymology | The specific epithet truncata refers to the blunt-ended leaf tip which is also known as truncate. |
Landscaping Features
| Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Foliage |
|---|---|
| Landscape Uses | Interiorscape/ Indoor Plant, Suitable for Hanging Baskets |
| Thematic Landscaping | Marsh Garden |
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Semi-Shade |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Moderate Water, Occasional Misting |
| Rootzone Tolerance | Moist Soils, Well-Drained Soils |
| Propagation Method | Seed, Stem Cutting |
Foliar
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Green |
|---|---|
| Mature Foliage Texture(s) | Smooth, Leathery |
| Foliar Modification | Pitcher Trap |
| Foliar Type | Simple / Unifoliate |
| Foliar Arrangement Along Stem | Spiral |
| Foliar Shape(s) | Non-Palm Foliage |
| Foliar Venation | Pinnate / Net |
| Foliar Margin | Entire - Wavy / Undulate |
| Foliar Apex - Tip | Truncate |
Floral (Angiosperm)
| Flower & Plant Sexuality | Bisexual Flowers |
| Flower Colour(s) | Green - Light Green |
|---|---|
| Flower Grouping | Cluster / Inflorescence |
| Flower Location | Terminal |
| Flower Colour(s) Remarks | Yellowish Green |
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 32575 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 6987 |
| Flora Disclaimer | The information in this website has been compiled from reliable sources, such as reference works on medicinal plants. It is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment and NParks does not purport to provide any medical advice. Readers should always consult his/her physician before using or consuming a plant for medicinal purposes. |
