Heliamphora nutans
Nodding sun pitcher
Unknown · Public domain
About
A notable and historically significant species, *Heliamphora nutans* is recognized as the type species of the genus. It is particularly known for its unique 'aquaplaning' trapping mechanism, which utilizes downwards-pointing hairs to make the pitchers extremely slippery when wet.
Field notes
Distribution & habitat
Native to the border area between Venezuela, Brazil and Guyana, growing on several tepuis including Roraima, Kukenán, Yuruaní, Maringma, and Wei Assipu.
Ecology
It employs an 'aquaplaning' trapping mechanism, where prey animals slip into the pitchers due to downwards-pointing hairs that become significantly more slippery when wet.
History & etymology
Originally discovered in 1839 on Mount Roraima by Robert and Richard Schomburgk, the plant was formally described by George Bentham in 1840, making it the type species of the genus. David Burke collected specimens and introduced it to England in 1881.
Habitat
- Altitude
- 1,700–2,700 m
- Altitude Class
- highland
- Native To
- Venezuela, Guyana, Brazil
Cultivation
- Difficulty
- intermediate
- Temperature
- Day 18–24°C / Night 8–15°C
- Humidity
- 70–90%
- Notes
- Type species. Roraima and Kukenán tepuis. Classic Heliamphora.
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