Nepenthes gracilis

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Nepenthes gracilis
N. gracilis1.jpg
A pitcher of Nepenthes gracilis from Terengganu, Peninsular Malaysia
Scientific classification OOjs UI icon edit-ltr.svg
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Order: Caryophyllales
Family: Nepenthaceae
Genus: Nepenthes
Species:
N. gracilis
Binomial name
Nepenthes gracilis
Korth. (1839) [2]
Synonyms

Nepenthes gracilis ( /nɪˈpɛnθiːzˈɡræsɪlɪs/ ; from Latin: gracilis "slender"), or the slender pitcher-plant, [5] is a common lowland pitcher plant that is widespread in the Sunda region. It has been recorded from Borneo, Cambodia, [6] Peninsular Malaysia, Singapore, Sulawesi, Sumatra, and Thailand. [7] [8] [9] [10] [11] The species has a wide altitudinal distribution of 0 to 1100 m [12] (and perhaps even 1700 m [13] ) above sea level, although most populations are found below 100 m and plants are rare above 1000 m. [13] Despite being a widespread plant, natural hybrids between N. gracilis and other species are quite rare.

Nepenthes gracilis was formally described by Pieter Willem Korthals in his 1839 monograph, "Over het geslacht Nepenthes". [2]

Nepenthes abgracilis from the Philippines is named for its superficial similarity to this species. [14]

Carnivory

The small, elongated pitchers of N. gracilis appear relatively unremarkable and have a very thin peristome. Nevertheless, the species is unusual (and possibly unique) in that the underside of the pitcher lid bears an uneven layer of wax crystals. This layer is not as thick as, and structurally distinct from, that found in the waxy zone of the pitcher interior, and insects can easily adhere to it in dry conditions. During downpours, however, it functions as part of a trapping mechanism, whereby the impact of raindrops striking the lid causes insects to lose their footing and fall into the pitcher cup below. [15]

Nepenthes gracilis with ant.png
Microstructure of N. gracilis waxy surfaces.png
Contribution of the individual N. gracilis pitcher surfaces to prey capture under different environmental conditions cropped.png
Left:Nepenthes gracilis upper pitcher with a Polyrhachis pruinosa ant (A and B), showing the waxy zones of the pitcher interior and lower lid surface.

Centre: Scanning electron micrographs revealing the ultrastructure of N. gracilis wax crystals on the inner surface of the pitcher (A and B) and underside of the lid (C and D).

Right: Prey capture efficiency of the two waxy layers and peristome of N. gracilis under 'dry', 'raining' and 'wet' conditions.

Distribution

Nepenthes gracilis habitat in Pahang, Peninsular Malaysia Nepenthes gracilis13.jpg
Nepenthes gracilis habitat in Pahang, Peninsular Malaysia

One of the most widespread Nepenthes species, N. gracilis is native to Borneo, Cambodia, [6] Peninsular Malaysia, Singapore, Sumatra, central Sulawesi, and southernmost Thailand. [7] It has also been recorded from many smaller islands, including Bangka, Batu Islands, Belitung, [16] Bengkalis, Ko Lanta, Ko Tarutao, Labuan, [17] Langkawi, Mendol, Mentawai Islands (Siberut), Meranti Islands (Padang, Rangsang, and Tebing Tinggi), Musala, Nias, Penang, Phuket, Riau Islands (Lingga Islands, Natuna Islands, [18] and Riau Archipelago), and Rupat. [19]

Evolutionary origins

In 2001, Charles Clarke performed a cladistic analysis of the Nepenthes species of Sumatra and Peninsular Malaysia using 70 morphological characteristics of each taxon. The following is a portion of the resultant cladogram, showing part of "Clade 6", which includes N. gracilis. [20]

unnamed

N. gracilis

N. reinwardtiana

unnamed

When molecular genetic DNA sequence data instead of morphological characters are used to perform similar analyses, [21] [22] it becomes evident that N. gracilis is not closely related to any of these 4 species. Rather, N. gracilis is the basal lineage within a "N. mirabilis group", a clade that also includes N. bicalcarata , a group of species around N. tomoriana (several species from Sulawesi, Papua and New Caledonia), N. ampullaria , N. mirabilis and N. rafflesiana sensu lato. The contrast between molecular and morphological phylogenies implies that the morphological characters evolved quite fast and repeatedly, and do not necessarily reflect shared ancestry of the species.

Infraspecific taxa

Despite varying little across its range, [20] N. gracilis has a number of infraspecific taxa. Most of these are no longer considered valid.

Natural hybrids

The following natural hybrids involving N. gracilis have been recorded.

Related Research Articles

<i>Nepenthes albomarginata</i> Species of pitcher plant

Nepenthes albomarginata is a tropical pitcher plant native to Borneo, Peninsular Malaysia, and Sumatra.

<i>Nepenthes rafflesiana</i> Species of pitcher plant from Southeast Asia

Nepenthes rafflesiana, or Raffles' pitcher-plant, is a species of tropical pitcher plant. It has a very wide distribution covering Borneo, Sumatra, Peninsular Malaysia, and Singapore. Nepenthes rafflesiana is extremely variable, with numerous forms and varieties described. In Borneo alone, there are at least three distinct varieties. The giant form of this species produces enormous pitchers rivalling those of N. rajah in size.

<i>Nepenthes ampullaria</i> Species of pitcher plant

Nepenthes ampullaria is a very distinctive and widespread species of tropical pitcher plant, present in Borneo, the Maluku Islands, New Guinea, Peninsular Malaysia, Singapore, Sumatra, and Thailand.

<i>Nepenthes hirsuta</i> Species of pitcher plant from Borneo

Nepenthes hirsuta, the hairy pitcher-plant, is a tropical pitcher plant endemic to Borneo. It is characterised by an indumentum of thick brown hairs, which is even present on the inflorescence. Pitchers are mostly green throughout with some having red blotches on the inside surfaces.

<i>Nepenthes reinwardtiana</i> Species of pitcher plant from Southeast Asia

Nepenthes reinwardtiana is a tropical pitcher plant native to Borneo and Sumatra and to a number of smaller surrounding islands including Bangka, Natuna, Nias, and Siberut. Although some sources have included Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore within the range of this species, these records appear to be erroneous.

<i>Nepenthes mirabilis</i> Wide-ranging species of tropical pitcher plant

Nepenthes mirabilis, or the common swamp pitcher-plant and tropical pitcher plant, is a carnivorous plant species. By far the most widespread of all Nepenthes, its range covers continental Southeast Asia and all major islands of the Malay Archipelago, stretching from China in the north to Australia in the south. The species exhibits great variability throughout its range. One of the more notable varieties, N. mirabilis var. echinostoma, is endemic to Brunei and Sarawak and possesses an extremely wide peristome.

<i>Nepenthes adnata</i> Endangered species of pitcher plant from Sumatra

Nepenthes adnata is a tropical pitcher plant endemic to the Indonesian province of West Sumatra, where it grows at elevations of 600 to 1200 m above sea level. The specific epithet adnata is Latin for "broadly attached" and refers to the base of the lamina.

<i>Nepenthes bongso</i> Species of pitcher plant from Sumatra

Nepenthes bongso is a tropical pitcher plant endemic to Sumatra, where it has an altitudinal distribution of 1000–2700 m above sea level. The specific epithet bongso refers to the Indonesian legend of Putri Bungsu, the spirit guardian of Mount Marapi.

<i>Nepenthes gymnamphora</i> Species of pitcher plant from Indonesia

Nepenthes gymnamphora is a tropical pitcher plant native to the Indonesian islands of Java and Sumatra. It has a wide altitudinal range of 600–2,800 metres (2,000–9,200 ft) above sea level. There is much debate surrounding the taxonomic status of this species and the taxa N. pectinata and N. xiphioides.

<i>Nepenthes eustachya</i> Species of pitcher plant from Sumatra

Nepenthes eustachya is a tropical pitcher plant endemic to Sumatra, where it grows from sea level to an elevation of 1600 m. The specific epithet eustachya, formed from the Greek words eu (true) and stachys (spike), refers to the racemose structure of the inflorescence.

<i>Nepenthes sumatrana</i> Species of pitcher plant from Sumatra

Nepenthes sumatrana is a tropical pitcher plant endemic to the Indonesian island of Sumatra, after which it is named.

<i>Nepenthes tobaica</i> Species of pitcher plant from Sumatra

Nepenthes tobaica is a tropical pitcher plant endemic to Sumatra. It is particularly abundant around Lake Toba, after which it is named.

<i>Nepenthes singalana</i> Species of pitcher plant from Sumatra

Nepenthes singalana is a tropical pitcher plant endemic to the island of Sumatra, where it grows at 2000–2900 m above sea level. It is most closely allied to N. diatas and N. spathulata.

<i>Nepenthes <span style="font-style:normal;">×</span> hookeriana</i> Species of pitcher plant from Southeast Asia

Nepenthes × hookeriana, or Hooker's pitcher-plant, is a common natural hybrid involving N. ampullaria and N. rafflesiana. It was originally described as a species.

<i>Nepenthes <span style="font-style:normal;">×</span> trichocarpa</i> Species of pitcher plant from Southeast Asia

Nepenthes × trichocarpa, the dainty pitcher-Plant, is a common natural hybrid involving N. ampullaria and N. gracilis. It was originally thought to be a distinct species and was described as such.

<i>Nepenthes <span style="font-style:normal;">×</span> kuchingensis</i> Species of carnivorous plant

Nepenthes × kuchingensis is a natural hybrid between N. ampullaria and N. mirabilis. Although it is named after the city of Kuching in Sarawak, this plant has a wide distribution across Borneo, New Guinea, Peninsular Malaysia, Sumatra, and Thailand.

<i>Nepenthes <span style="font-style:normal;">×</span> sharifah-hapsahii</i> Species of carnivorous plant

Nepenthes × sharifah-hapsahii is a natural hybrid between N. gracilis and N. mirabilis. It has been recorded from Borneo, Peninsular Malaysia, Sumatra, and Thailand, although it was originally described as a species endemic to Peninsular Malaysia, where it was said to grow at elevations below 1000 m.

References

  1. ↑ Clarke, C.M. (2018). "Nepenthes gracilis". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species . 2018: e.T39663A143960417. doi: 10.2305/IUCN.UK.2018-1.RLTS.T39663A143960417.en . Retrieved 19 November 2021.
  2. 1 2 (in Dutch) Korthals, P.W. 1839. Over het geslacht Nepenthes. In: C.J. Temminck 1839–1842. Verhandelingen over de Natuurlijke Geschiedenis der Nederlandsche overzeesche bezittingen; Kruidkunde. Leiden. pp. 1–44, t. 1–4, 13–15, 20–22.
  3. ↑ Masters M.T. (1881). "New garden plants. Nepenthes angustifolia (Mast.), sp. nov". The Gardeners' Chronicle. 16 (408): 524.
  4. 1 2 3 (in German) Beck, G. 1895. Die Gattung Nepenthes. Wiener Illustrirte Garten-Zeitung20(3–6): 96–107, 141–150, 182–192, 217–229.
  5. ↑ Phillipps, A. & A. Lamb 1996. Pitcher-Plants of Borneo . Natural History Publications (Borneo), Kota Kinabalu.
  6. 1 2 Mey, F.S. 2016. The beautiful Nepenthes kampotiana x bokorensis. Strange Fruits: A Garden's Chronicle, 5 October 2016.
  7. 1 2 3 4 5 McPherson, S.R. 2009. Pitcher Plants of the Old World . 2 volumes. Redfern Natural History Productions, Poole.
  8. ↑ McPherson, S.R. & A. Robinson 2012. Field Guide to the Pitcher Plants of Sulawesi . Redfern Natural History Productions, Poole.
  9. ↑ McPherson, S.R. & A. Robinson 2012. Field Guide to the Pitcher Plants of Borneo . Redfern Natural History Productions, Poole.
  10. ↑ (in Italian) Catalano, M. 2010. Nepenthes della Thailandia: Diario di viaggio . Prague.
  11. ↑ McPherson, S.R. & A. Robinson 2012. Field Guide to the Pitcher Plants of Sumatra and Java . Redfern Natural History Productions, Poole.
  12. ↑ McPherson, S.R. & A. Robinson 2012. Field Guide to the Pitcher Plants of Peninsular Malaysia and Indochina . Redfern Natural History Productions, Poole.
  13. 1 2 Adam, J.H., C.C. Wilcock & M.D. Swaine 1992. "The ecology and distribution of Bornean Nepenthes" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2011-07-22.Journal of Tropical Forest Science5(1): 13–25.
  14. ↑ Cheek M., Jebb M. (2013). "The Nepenthes micramphora (Nepenthaceae) group, with two new species from Mindanao, Philippines". Phytotaxa. 151 (1): 25–34. doi: 10.11646/phytotaxa.151.1.2 .
  15. 1 2 Bauer U., Di Giusto B., Skepper J., Grafe T.U., Federle W. (2012). "With a flick of the lid: a novel trapping mechanism in Nepenthes gracilis pitcher plants". PLOS ONE. 7 (6): e38951. Bibcode:2012PLoSO...738951B. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0038951 . PMC   3374759 . PMID   22719998.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  16. ↑ (in Indonesian) Hidayat, S., J. Hidayat, Hamzah, E. Suhandi, Tatang & Ajidin 2003. Analisis vegetasi dua jenis tumbuhan pemakan serangga di Padang Pinang Anyang, Pulau Belitung. [Vegetation analysis of two insectivorous plants in Padang Pinang Anyang, Belitung Island.] Biodiversitas4(2): 93–96.
  17. ↑ Burbidge F.W. (1882). "Notes on the new Nepenthes". The Gardeners' Chronicle. 17 (420): 56.
  18. ↑ (in Indonesian) Mansur, M. 2012. Keanekaragaman jenis tumbuhan pemakan serangga dan laju fotosintesisnya di Pulau Natuna. [Diversity on insectivorous plants and its photosynthetic rate in Natuna Island.] Berita Biologi11(1): 33–42. Abstract Archived 2013-09-21 at the Wayback Machine
  19. ↑ Clarke, C.M. 2001. Appendix C: Distribution Maps. In: Nepenthes of Sumatra and Peninsular Malaysia . Natural History Publications (Borneo), Kota Kinabalu. pp. 299–307.
  20. 1 2 3 Clarke, C.M. 2001. Nepenthes of Sumatra and Peninsular Malaysia . Natural History Publications (Borneo), Kota Kinabalu.
  21. ↑ Scharmann, Mathias; Wistuba, Andreas; Widmer, Alex (October 2021). "Introgression is widespread in the radiation of carnivorous Nepenthes pitcher plants". Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution. 163: 107214. doi:10.1016/j.ympev.2021.107214. hdl: 20.500.11850/494608 . ISSN   1095-9513. PMID   34052438.
  22. ↑ Murphy, Bruce; Forest, Félix; Barraclough, Timothy; Rosindell, James; Bellot, Sidonie; Cowan, Robyn; Golos, Michal; Jebb, Matthew; Cheek, Martin (March 2020). "A phylogenomic analysis of Nepenthes (Nepenthaceae)". Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution. 144: 106668. doi:10.1016/j.ympev.2019.106668. ISSN   1095-9513. PMID   31682924.
  23. ↑ Macfarlane, J.M. 1908. Nepenthaceae. In: A. Engler. Das Pflanzenreich IV, III, Heft 36: 1–91.
  24. ↑ (in Latin) Blume, C.L. 1852. Ord. Nepenthaceae. In: Museum Botanicum Lugduno-Batavum, sive stirpium exoticarum novarum vel minus cognitarum ex vivis aut siccis brevis expositio. Tom. II. Nr. 1. E.J. Brill, Lugduni-Batavorum. pp. 5–10.
  25. 1 2 3 4 Clarke, C.M. 1997. Nepenthes of Borneo . Natural History Publications (Borneo), Kota Kinabalu.
  26. ↑ Fretwell S (2013). "Back in Borneo to see giant Nepenthes. Part 2: Mt Tambuyukon and Poring". Victorian Carnivorous Plant Society Journal . 108: 6–15.
  27. ↑ Lee, C.C. 2004. Nepenthes. In: Sarawak Bau Limestone Biodiversity. H.S. Yong, F.S.P. Ng and E.E.L. Yen (eds). The Sarawak Museum Journal Vol. LIX, No. 80; Special Issue No. 6: 71–77.
  28. ↑ Tan W.K., Wong C.L., Frazier C.K. (1996). "Nepenthes × (rafflesiana and gracilis)?". Nature Malaysiana. 21: 82–85.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  29. ↑ Bednar, B.L. 1985. "Nepenthes ✕ dominii and var. intermedia" (PDF). Carnivorous Plant Newsletter 14(4): 105–106.

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