How to Identify Varieties of Southeast Asian Pitcher Plants

Pitcher plants are carnivorous flora whose leaves form a vase-like tube that traps insects. The pitcher plant can be found in various parts of the world, but the southeastern Asian plants belong to the genus Nepenthes. There are many species in the genus, which can be divided into lowland and highland Nepenthes. Each type of pitcher plant has a slightly different trap size, which is another identifying characteristic. It can be difficult to separate the species due to their similarity in physical appearance. The plants are vines with the pitcher forms at the ends of the tendrils. The plants often have long, swordlike leaves and are richly colored.

Tape measure
Forceps

Instructions

- 1
  Identify pitcher plants by their size, shape of the pitcher, prey, color and height. There are literally hundreds of varieties of Nepenthes, and even scientists can't decide on the names.
- 2
  Compare the color of the pitcher. Many varieties are mottled, some are striped and a few are a solid color. Green, pink and red are common colors, but there are also maroon, tan, rust and other earthier tones.
- 3
  Measure the length of the pitcher. Some have pitchers as big as footballs, yet others are not even 1 inch long. The size of the pitcher is not always an adequate indication, however. Many species grow a small pitcher on the lower stems of the plant and a larger pitcher on the upper stems.
- 4
  Use the forceps to carefully fish around in the interior of the pitcher. See what the plant has caught. Low-growing types of Nepenthes will have arachnids and crawling insects. The higher types of plants will carry more flying insects. There are the rare types that will have salamanders or even rats inside.
- 5
  Assess the shape of the pitcher. Pitcher plants may have elongated traps or they may be flat and squat. Some have a narrow opening and others fan out in a vase-like manner. It can be difficult to divide the various species of southeastern Asia pitcher plants but some of these generalities can help you narrow it down.

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