Sunbelle Exotics, Inc.
Specializing in Nepenthes and
Sarracenia
HOME
ONLINE CATALOG
CULTURE
PHOTO GALLERY
ABOUT US
N. treubiana
In spring of 2005 at Mounts Botanical Garden, we had the
pleasure of meeting Mr. Ken Marks, a nature and photography enthusiast.
Ken had just returned from a diving expedition to Raja Ampat, a group of islands
off the west coast of West Papua (formerly Irian Jaya).
These islands are not totally explored and are home to many
exotic plants and animals, but they are most famous for their exquisite coral
reefs unlike any others in the world. The coral reefs of the Raja Ampat
region are one of the most species diverse reefs in the world, especially corals
and mollusks. Because they are sitting practically on the equator, shadows
cast by the cliffs do not change with the almost non existent seasons, allowing
deep water species to grow in the cool shadows side by side with shallow water
species living in the full sun. The fish life is incredible.
Recent ventures on to these islands has resulted in the
discovery of new plant species. Human habitation is minimal on some of the
islands and eco systems are truly undisturbed. Among the many exotic
plants are undescribed species of Nepenthes, orchids, ferns, and palms.
Ken told us about seeing Nepenthes growing on cliffs
overhanging the sea. We were intrigued and asked him further questions
about the fantastic Nepenthes that he saw. He offered to show us photos
that he took and he gave us permission to share them. When we saw the
plants in his wonderful shots, we confirmed our suspicions that the Nepenthes
were N. treubiana, a species not in cultivation.
double click on images below to enlarge
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Karst limestone cliffs off the east coast of Misool (one of the four big islands of the Raja Ampat group) are the native habitat to N. treubiana |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
A large female N. treubiana with seed pods growing on the limestone cliff. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
N. treubiana upper pitchers |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Another large female clinging to nearly vertical cliffs |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Look closely for the Nepenthes hanging on the sheer vertical cliffs |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
What a shame this species isn't yet in cultivation. Here is the lower trap. |
|
The photo on the right is a peice of N. treubiana picked off the vine from the boat for use as a table decoration/ center piece. These vines often drape within a couple of meters of the ocean. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
BACK TO NEPENTHES PHOTO GALLERY LIST
