Nepenthes rajah
Description
Terrestrial shrub up to 2 m tall, sometimes scrambling.
Leaves coriaceous, petiolate;
Inflorescence, particularly the partial peduncles and pedicels, lower tepal surface and androphore, densely covered in the same hair type;
Flowers dull greenish white, flushed maroon outside.
Fruits with valves 20 mm long.
Seeds unknown.
Distribution
Asia-Tropical: Borneo present (Sabah present), Mt Kinabalu present, Mt Tambuyukon present
Borneo: Sabah (Mt Kinabalu&Mt Tambuyukon).
Morphology
Nepenthes rajah is renowned as the largest pitchered of all pitcher plants (though less well known species such as N. merrilliana and N. truncata may bear equally voluminous pitchers) and for trapping rats (see p. 12). The peltate leaf blade tip, oversized and vaulted lid, as well as its overall large size, make this a very distinct species. The inner peristome wall is elaborated to form three layers; these are interconnected by a series of staggered cross-walls, creating two rows of box-like compartments.
Citation
Jebb & Cheek 1997 – In: Blumea. p 76
Danser 1928 – In: Bull. Jard. Bot. Buitenzorg. p 361
J.H. Adam & Wilcock: p. 155. – In: Sarawak Mus. J. f. XXIIIc.
Phillipps & A.L. Lamb 1996: Pitcher Plants of Borneo: 129. f. 69 & 70
Sh. Kurata 1976: Nepenthes of Mt Kinabalu, Sabah: 61. t. 19 & 20
Clarke 1997: Nepenthes of Borneo: 120. f. 81-83