N. Trusmadiensis, A Legendary Component

[rainforest]

N. Trusmadiensis is comprised of two very different species (N. lowii and N. macrophylla) each with a distinct form and features. The prominence of N. lowii is evident with its wide mouthed pitcher upturned lid and heavy textured pitchers. The jagged teeth is lost but replaced with dented ridges that make this natural hybrid so infamous. The two species here fuse to become a single unit of each represented as a wide gaping mouth with somewhat irregularity. The pitcher itself is an enigma where it tries to become N. lowii with mimicry for macrophylla.
N. Trusmadiensis, here abbreviated as TM has been used extensively in breeding through Exotica Plants (Mansell) male clone. Several species have been used to hybridize with it and each year more hybrids become available.
This thread will help develop an understanding of N. TM and how it behaves when crossed with each species. The dominance of N. TM has proven quite tough to surrender its traits to any other species involved.

Michael

[rainforest]

N. thorelii x TM is a very easy to grow hybrid showing TM characteristics strongly through N. thorelii. Here are some uppers of this hybrid showing coloration with hints of N. thorelii involved, but with strong features characteristics of TM dominating the look.
N. thorelii has proven a great parent for producing multiple basal offshoots which is known by anyone growing true N. thorelii and once when repotting a pot-bound seedling, I have noticed a swollen tuberous root.
This plant grows extremely well in harsh tropical climates with full sun exposure and toughened up with windy environments. The leaves become short, compact leathery projectiles that develops a sturdy wirey tendril from which the characteristic woody pitcher emerges.


Here is another shot of N. thorelii x TM with the teeth and irregular mouth evident in so many TM hybrids.

While many have produced greener upper pitchers, this clone has developed ruby red uppers.

The plant that this pitcher has come off of is already over seven feet long and this coloration appears to be its permanent upper pitcher coloration.

M



M

[rainforest]

N. maxima x TM is an excellent hybrid which combines a determined strong willed species N. maxima. While the features of maxima appear to be evident, minor differences with Trusmadiensis include the ridged peristome, the heavier pitcher texture and vaulted lid.

This is an intermediate bearing thick sturdy pitchers that are highly colored and easy to grow.
Variations range from near maxima appearance with some having stronger TM looks with the maxima coloration influence. This species does well for warm to cool growing conditions. Grow this as you would N. maxima. Lots of water, good lighting and regular feeding.
Here is a shot of a more formal upper pitcher. Coloration lighter but features still strong.


M

[rainforest]

The maxima by Trusmadiensis hybrids tends to vary considerably.
Note how this clone resembles a darker clone with minimal maxima features. This clone bears interesting peristome ridges.

This plant is grown very hard with high wind and sunlight exposures. leaves of this plant are compact and tightly fitted towards the pot. Possibly a measure to conserve water.
Note the arrangement of leaves on this group.

Here is another group of siblings with more maxima features.

As each resemble almost a pure maxima, look carefully at the peristome with extra wide features and ridges.

The pitchers themselves are very hard and rigid. Even the leaves are thick, shiny and almost lowii or TM-like in appearance.
Another plant shows a more squat appearance.




M

[rainforest]

N. sibuyanensis x Trusmadiensis Mansell

These are basal shoots producing ground pitchers at the base of matured stalks. I have noticed that when the lower portion of the plants are exposed to bright light, more basal branches occur, as opposed to none from stem bases grown shaded or with limited light access.

Plant grown very hard in bright sunlight. Note thick somewhat discolored leaves, and tight compact appearance. Pitcher, leaves and tendrils are very wirey and heavy.

M