Nepenthes tenuis

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iNepenthes tenuis

Nepenthes tenuis. Cultivated plant.

Data deficient (DD)

Scientific classification

Kingdom:	Plantae
Division:	Magnoliophyta
Class:	Magnoliopsida
Order:	Caryophyllales
Family:	Nepenthaceae
Genus:	Nepenthes
Species:	N. tenuis

Binomial name

Nepenthes tenuis
Nerz & Wistuba (1994)

Nepenthes tenuis (Latin: tenuis = thin, fine, slender) is a pitcher plant species of the genus Nepenthes, native to Sumatra. N. tenuis was first collected by W. Meijer in 1957. It was found growing near Taram, West Sumatra, in a sandstone region of the river Tjampo. The plants were on a ridge at approximately 1000 m above sea level, making N. tenuis an intermediate species. The habitat was described as "light sub-montane forest".

N. tenuis was finally described in 1994 by Nerz and Wistuba, based on a single herbarium specimen and photograph. It was not until three years later that the species was relocated in the wild.

N. tenuis is probably most closely related to N. jacquelineae and N. talangensis. In 1997, Jebb and Cheek reduced N. tenuis to a synonym of N. dubia "with some hesitation". However, after its subsequent rediscovery, it has become apparent that N tenuis constitutes a separate taxon and is not conspecific with N. dubia. The two species can be distinguished with relative ease; the pitchers of N. tenuis have shorter, broader lids that are never reflexed beyond 180°, unlike those of N. dubia, which are always reflexed beyond 180°. The pitchers of N. tenuis are also differently coloured, often having red flecks on the outside, in contrast to those of N. dubia, which are usually a solid yellow or orange colour. The peristome of N. tenuis is also less tightly cylindrical than that of N. dubia.

N. tenuis can be distinguished from N. jacquelineae by its linear-lanceolate leaf blade (as opposed to ovate-spathulate in the latter) and lack of large glands on the lower surface of the lid. The lid of N. jacquelineae also differs by being noticeably contracted towards the base. Finally, N. jacquelineae is far larger in stature compared with N. tenuis and its pitchers have a far more developed and broader peristome that is almost perpendicular to the pitcher mouth.

N. tenuis climbs well and is a relatively fast-growing species. No natural hybrids have been recorded.

[edit] References

Clarke et al (2000). Nepenthes tenuis. 2006 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. IUCN 2006. Retrieved on 12 May 2006.
Clarke, C. 2001. Nepenthes of Sumatra and Peninsular Malaysia. Natural History Publications (Borneo), Kota Kinabalu, pp. 200-201.