Hello,
This is my pleasure to introduce you to a new species of Nepenthaceae from the Cardamom Mountains, a remote range in Cambodia which has just recently been open to scientists (since the late 1990's). Before, those mountains were a Khmer rouge stronghold zone filled with landmines and tigers. The landmines are still there but the tigers are far less numerous...
It has been discovered by photographer and biologist Jeremy Holden while he was on expedition for Flora Fauna International (FFI) in the early 2000's.
I have been to the Cardamom Mountains with Jeremy a few weeks ago to check that undiagnosed taxon which will be described as a new species.
Herbarium samples have been legally collected and the plant is now on the process of being described. I hope to publish it in the near future. Until then, people will be asked to refer to it as
Nepenthes spec. Pursat (from the Pursat province of Cambodia).
The plant belongs to the pyrophytic group of Indochinese Nepenthaceae (ie
smilesii,
kongkandana ined,
bokorensis,
thorelii,
kampotiana) and like the other species of the group develop underground tubers and grow in places which are frequently exposed to fires and drought.
It is easily recognizable in the wild.
Both male and female inflorescences develop partial peduncles of two flowers which is unique in this group of species and reminiscent of the Malaysian
Nepenthes sanguinea.
This species develop broadly infundibular upper pitchers (not cylindrical and there's no hip).
The mature lower pitchers are clearly ovoid and look like
N. gymnamphora 's.
You will find below a selection of pictures but a complete field report will be available in the future through Marcello Catalano's site: Nepenthes of Thailand:
http://www.nepenthesofthailand.com/[/url]
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This last picture has been taken by Jeremy Holden:
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Truly,
François Mey.