Biology
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The pitchers of Nepenthes species have a smooth lining. Insects and other small animals that are attracted to the pitchers cannot maintain a grip on this slippery surface and fall into the pitcher, where their tissues are broken down by a strong digestive fluid produced by the pitcher (3). Interestingly, the active agent in this fluid that digests proteins is very similar in structure to that produced in the stomach of mammals (3).
Members of the genus Nepenthes produce very small seeds, which are easily dispersed (4).
Conservation
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International trade in this pitcher plant is controlled by the listing of the species under Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) (3).
Description
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The Madagascar pitcher plant is a carnivorous plant that produces impressive 'pitchers' that catch the insect prey.
Habitat
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Found in wetland habitats including bogs, swamps, marshy areas, fens and peatlands (1). It prefers peaty or sandy soils and is found at low altitudes (1).
Range
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Endemic to the east coast of Madagascar, reaching the northernmost extreme of its range in the Masoala Peninsula. It is most common around Fort Dauphin in the south (1).
Status
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Classified as Vulnerable (VU D2) on the IUCN Red List 2003 (1) and listed under Appendix II of CITES (2).
Threats
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The threats directly facing this species are unknown. However, Madagascar has suffered devastating levels of habitat destruction and degradation since the arrival of humans on the island around 2000 years ago.
Nepenthes madagascariensis
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Nepenthes madagascariensis (/nɪˈpɛnθiːz mædəˌɡæskɑːriˈɛnsɪs/; from Madagascar) is one of two Nepenthes pitcher plant species native to Madagascar, the other being N. masoalensis.
Botanical history
Nepenthes madagascariensis was the first Nepenthes species to be scientifically described; Étienne de Flacourt recorded it in 1658 under the name Amramatico. He published a description of the plant in his seminal work Histoire de la Grande Isle de Madagascar. It reads:[4]
It is a plant growing about 3 feet high which carries at the end of its leaves, which are 7 inches long, a hollow flower or fruit resembling a small vase, with its own lid, a wonderful sight. There are red ones and yellow ones, the yellow being the biggest. The inhabitants of this country are reluctant to pick the flowers, saying that if somebody does pick them in passing, it will not fail to rain that day. As to that, I and all the other Frenchmen did pick them, but it did not rain. After rain these flowers are full of water, each one containing a good half-glass. [translated from French in Pitcher-Plants of Borneo][5]
Ecology
Nepenthes madagascariensis occurs along the eastern coast of Madagascar. It is most common in the south of the island, around Tôlanaro, though it is found as far north as the Masoala Peninsula. It grows along the edges of swamps and in peaty or sandy soils at low altitudes.[1]
The pitchers of N. madagascariensis play host to at least two species of infaunal spiders: Synema obscuripes and Theridion decaryi.[6]
Infraspecific taxa
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N. madagascariensis var. macrocarpa Scott Elliot (1891)
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N. madagascariensis var. cylindrica Dub. (1906)
References
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Nepenthes madagascariensis: Brief Summary
provided by wikipedia EN
Nepenthes madagascariensis (/nɪˈpɛnθiːz mædəˌɡæskɑːriˈɛnsɪs/; from Madagascar) is one of two Nepenthes pitcher plant species native to Madagascar, the other being N. masoalensis.
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