Date: Sun, 27 Jun 1999 16:43:41 -0600 From: Mike <mvogl@webaccess.net> To: cp@opus.hpl.hp.com Message-Id: <aabcdefg2356$foo@default> Subject: Nepenthes spathulata ID
Hello all-
Is there any quantifiable, unique characteristic which identifies plants
of N. spathulata?
I ask because I have been growing a plant that I recieved labelled as
"N. stenophylla", but the larger it gets the less it looks like N.
stenophylla. I am suspicious that a labeling error may have occured and
this plant is really N. spathulata, which I recieved in the same
shipment.
The plant is about 8" across with 2"-3" pitchers; large enough to make
some observations possible, but not so mature as to be stable enough in
its characterisitcs to make a definite ID based on appearance alone.
Regardless, I will list some of these characteristics and maybe someone
more experienced than I can help me ID it:
- the plant is smooth and relatively hairless, except along the leaf
edges and the pitcher itself, which are both VERY faintly pubescent.
- the spur branches (usually into three points).
- the peristome is simple on the inner margin- not toothed.
- the peristome is relatively wide and flared, and has distinct
ridges; it is a solid, very dark red color on mature pitchers.
- the wings are heavily fringed; the cilia are very numerous and long.
- the lid has a weak crest- more of an indentation really.
- the pitcher body is tubby and green with tiny red spots creating a
blushing effect near the neck and lid; older pitchers darken to an
almost chocolatey red.
- the stem is round in cross section, and quite thick.
- there are faint red or pink splotches on the pitcher interior,
which is extremely waxy.
If anyone can ID my plant from this very UN-scientific description, or
provide me with some characteristic which I could check that would
definitely prove or disprove its identity, I would be most appreciative.
Thanks-
-Jonathan Mitchell
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