New Species - Nepenthes hamiguitanensis
Species:
Nepenthes hamiguitanensis
Locality:
Philippines
Date discovered:
July 2008
Discovery Details
During an expedition to climb and explore the little known upper slopes of Mount Hamiguitan in July, 2008, Thomas Gronemeyer, Volker Heinrich and Stewart McPherson encountered a population of colourful pitcher plants close to the summit of that mountain. Initially, it was assumed that these plants represented a natural hybrid between Nepenthes peltata and Nepenthes micramphora (the latter species was discovered on the same expedition). On this basis, the plant was mentioned briefly as a hybrid in Stewart McPherson's 2009 work Pitcher Plants of the Old World Vol. 1 & 2.
Closer inspection by Thomas Gronemeyer and Volker Heinrich in late 2009 revealed the discovery of many distinct and consistent characteristics which distinguish this plant from Nepenthes peltata and Nepenthes micramphora. On this basis, Nepenthes hamiguitanensis was described in Stewart McPherson's 2010 work Carnivorous Plants and their Habitats Vol. 1 & 2.
Nepenthes hamiguitanensis grows exclusively in primary, intact mountain forest and forest margins between 1200 m and 1600 a.s.l. on the summit ridge of Mount Hamiguitan with the summit itself standing at 1635m. It is absent from the distinct bonsai field that stretches across the plateau below the summit ridge. The plants grow predominantly in partially shaded conditions and receive heavy rain regularly.
Further information, the formal description and several photos of Nepenthes hamiguitanensis feature in Redfern's recently released book titles Carnivorous Plants and their Habitats Vol. 1 & 2. Images of this plant also feature in Pitcher Plants of the Old World Volume Two by Stewart McPherson. These volumes are available online for immediate dispatch - Please see Redfern book catalogue (left) for more details or to place an order.
Please view our stock image and stock video libraries (links to the left) for photographs and video clips of this exciting new plant!