On the Malaysian island of Borneo, scientists have discovered a new type of plant called the pot plant. Its leaves are covered with hairs similar to the fur of an orangutan. Only 39 samples were found.
Nepenthes is a genus of climbing carnivorous plants belonging to the Nepenthes family (Nepenthaceae). Their special feature is gills – traps that catch and digest insects and small animals. In the case of some potted plants, animal droppings and plant debris also enter the pots. Most species of potted plants are found in the islands of Borneo and Sumatra, especially in tropical forests.
And it was in the forested mountain of Sabah state in the northeastern part of the island of Borneo that a new species of Nepenthes pongoides was discovered, which is not only one of the largest species ever discovered, but also exceptional. gray hair
Named after an orangutan
The underside of its leaves is covered with a reddish color that resembles the fur of the Bornean orangutan (Pongo pygmaeus). Therefore, the discoverers decided to name the company after this local monkey.
Discoverers – Alastair Robinson from the Royal Botanic Garden of Melbourne, Australia and his colleagues in two expeditions found a total of 39 specimens of this plant, which indicates that this species is rare and in danger of extinction.
Nepenthes pongoides Sabah Biodiversity Centre
They are looking for it on the black market
Nepenthes are highly sought after on the horticultural black market, thanks to their spectacular flowers. In the case of the newly described species, the jugs are up to 45 centimeters long and can hold more than two liters of water. As Robinson pointed out, even before the researchers arrived at the site, there was evidence that poachers had been in the area and had stolen specimens because the potted plants were being offered for sale on the Internet.
Main photo: Sabah Biodiversity Center
