Nepenthes clipeata
Content
Description
Terrestrial scrambler or prostrate herb c. 30 cm tall.
Leaves thickly coriaceous, petiolate, orbicular to ovate, 7-20 by 6-16 cm, apex rounded, peltate 1/2-1/3 way from apex, base obtuse to cordate;
Fruit unknown.
Seed unknown.
Distribution
Asia-Tropical: Borneo present, Mt Kelam present, W Kalimantan present
Borneo: W Kalimantan (Mt Kelam).
Notes
1 Nepenthes clipeata is a member of the N. maxima group. It is unmistakable, with its orbicular leaf blade from which the tendril arises near the centre of the lower surface. It is known in herbaria only from the type gathering made over 100 years ago, and reports from nepenthophile tourists. and claim that the species is a limestone endemic, but this is not in agreement with either the collection notes or the type locality (granitic). The best data on its habit and habitat is to be found in Clarke, Nepenthes of Borneo (1997: 78).
2. A number of horticultural collectors are reported to have visited the only known locality over the last ten years and the species is now said to be much scarcer than for-merly, and in danger of extinction. Clarke (pers. comm.) believes only 2-6 plants may survive in the wild.