Chiba University Matsudo/Kashiwa Campus Plant Database

Details of genus: Nepenthes L. [600]

genus_ja:

genus_en: Monkey cup, Tropical pitcher plant

# spp.:

pub_year:

accepted: Accepted

Family: Nepenthaceae

family_ja: ウツボカズラ

Infra familial classification:

distribution_en: Madagascar to New Caledonia

description_en: Genus of over 70 species and numerous hybrids of dioecious, evergreen, carnivorous, climbing, terrestrial or epiphytic perennials from Madagascar, the Seychelles, S.E. Asia, Borneo, and Queensland, Australia. They are found in moist, acid, organic soils in open grassland or forest, and sometimes grow epiphytically on trees. The usually lance-shaped or strap-shaped leaves, 5-65cm (2-26in) long, each have a prolonged midrib, which acts as a tendril and may be terminated by a hanging, hollow "pitcher", 5-35cm (2-14in) long, with 2 vertical ridges, or "wings", at the front. Pitchers vary greatly in shape and colour, from pale yellow to green or purplish red, and are frequently mottled; upper and lower pitchers often differ in colour on the same plant. The colourful, thickened rim of a pitcher secretes nectar to attract insects, small mammals, and even birds, which become trapped inside. Its apex forms a lid to deflect excess rain. The tiny, petalless male and female flowers, with green or brown sepals, are borne in spike-like racemes. In frost-prone areas, grow in a warm greenhouse or conservatory; in tropical climates, grow climbers through trees or attach epiphytes to branches. Heights vary greatly according to conditions and support; in cultivation, most are cut back to encourage young foliage and the development of large pitchers.

hardiness_en: Frost tender.

cultivation_en:

propagation_en: Sow seed as soon as ripe on the surface of moist peat or fine coir compost, and place in a tray of water in a shaded propagator; maintain a temperature of 27°C (81°F). In spring, insert cuttings with 3 or 4 leaves into nepenthes compost (described above) and maintain at 21-27°C (70-81°F). Air layer in spring or summer.

pests_en: Mealybugs may be troublesome. Grey mould (Botrytis) may affect leaves.

description_ja:

comment:

comment_ja: ウツボカズラ

type_species:

Phylogenetic definition:

Update Information: Created: 2007-12-06 12:51; Updated: 2022-03-09 15:20

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