Alfindra Primaldhi · CC BY 3.0
About
A striking tropical species, *Nepenthes lingulata* is notable for the highly developed, tongue-like appendage hanging over the pitcher mouth, which is unique in its size and structure. This appendage is unusual because the underside of the lid is otherwise completely devoid of nectar glands.
Field notes
Morphology
The plant is a climbing species with lanceolate rosettes (up to 9.6 cm long and 3 cm wide) and smaller elliptical-ovate leaves on climbing stems (up to 4.8 cm long and 2.1 cm wide). Rosette and lower pitchers are large, reaching 28 cm in height and 4.5 cm in width, featuring a waxy zone that extends to the top. The lid is broadly triangular (up to 7.5 cm long and 5.5 cm wide) and bears a single filiform appendage (up to 4 cm long) over the pitcher mouth. Upper pitchers are smaller, reaching 12.3 cm in height and 2 cm in width, with a rounded lid (up to 2 cm long and 2 cm wide). The pitchers are dark purple to black on the outer surface, with a pale bluish-green interior.
Distribution & habitat
Endemic to the Barisan Mountains on the western side of Sumatra, Indonesia. It is found at an altitudinal range of 1,700–2,100 m above sea level, growing in upper montane mossy forest.
Ecology
The species traps insects using a highly developed, tongue-like appendage that lures prey into a precarious position over the pitcher mouth, causing them to lose footing and fall into the fluid. It grows both terrestrially and as an epiphyte and occurs sympatrically with other local species.
History & etymology
The species was discovered during field trips to Sumatra between 2004 and 2005. The formal description was published in 2006, and the holotype specimen is deposited at the Herbarium of Andalas University (ANDA).
Habitat
- Altitude
- 1,700–2,100 m
- Altitude Class
- highland
- Native To
- Sumatra
Taxonomy
- Described
- 2006
- Authority
- Chi.C.Lee, Hernawati & Akhriadi
Cultivation
- Difficulty
- intermediate
Crossed Nepenthes lingulata with another species?
Register the cross — if it's not yet documented you'll be the first contributor. If someone already registered it, you'll be redirected to add your photo.