Nepenthes Lowii Extremely Rare Highland Most Unusual Pitcher Plant 10 Seeds
Item History & Price
DescriptionTerrestrial or epiphytic climber to 10 m tall. Leaves coriaceous, petiolate; Fruit valves 17-27 by 3-4 mm. Seed fusiform, 6-14 mm long, central part smooth.Asia-Tropical:, Borneo (Brunei, Kalimantan, Sabah, Sarawak)Bario: G. Buli: Hose Mts: Mt Mulu: Mt Murud: Mts Kinabalu:Tama Abu range: Trus Madi:Borneo: Sabah (Mts Kinabalu, Trus Madi), Sarawak (Hose Mts, G. Buli, Tama Abu range, Bario, Mt Murud, Mt M...ulu), Brunei, and Kalimantan.MorphologyNepenthes lowii is a singular species in the semi-woody, upper pitchers which have the lower part laterally reclined, lack a proper peristome and are extremely constricted at their midpoint. The lower pitchers are somewhat cylindrical and bear a well-developed peristome. The upper pitcher is green outside and a deep maroon red inside. The lid is relatively small, reflexed and has many long tapering bristles c. 6 mm in length. These bristles generate a white gelatinous exudate, although the composition and purpose is unknown. Wistuba (1994) has suggested that the unusual pitcher shape may be an adaptation to prevent rainwater from diluting or leaching the pitcher contents below the narrow ‘waist’. Some collectors have remarked on the ability of these pitchers to trap leaf litter ‘a vegetarian pitcher plant’ (Ed de Vogel, pers. comm.). The tree shrew Tupaia montana has often been referred to by collectors as ‘licking’ the underside of the lids (presumably ingesting the white exudate), or ‘hunting for snails’ on the underside of the lids. Clarke in Nepenthes of Borneo (1997) 96 speculates that N. lowii may benefit from trapping tree shrew excrement as well as fallen leaves, and found animal excrement accounting for a large part of the pitcher detritus at five of the seven sites from which he studied pitchers of this species. Perhaps ingestion of the lid exudate prompts defecation in Tupaia! The species can be locally common in undisturbed areas but suffers greatly from curious humans. Seeds have been freshly harvested when sent out to you. They should be planted asap to yield highest germination rate. 💫🌟🌱🍀🌿 Other exotic plant growers, we're interested in trades! If you have plants or seeds you'd like to trade, please contact us! 💫🌟🌱🍀🌿Highlander 1600m-2600mCultivation: slow grower; faster grower around 8 inches or so
Market availability: small to larger specimens;
Species variability: differences depending on locality, but overall not highly variable
Market availability: small to larger specimens;
Species variability: differences depending on locality, but overall not highly variable
