N.KLOSSII

[Dave Evans]

Apr 23, 2008 15:41:10 GMT -10 longor said:

without the pitchers Klossii is just a large hairy maxima

it seems that nepenthes with watery fluid focus on catching non flying insects, whilst those with stickier thicker fluid focuses on flying insects. it is interesting though, that the larger exaggerated pitchers of Klossii catches ants, while the miniature pitcher of maxima, catches flying insects with
their sticky fluid.

Dear Longor,

I think your right about the fluid viscosity. While N. klossii does look like it has some traits in common with N. maxima, I think the more the plant is examined, the more details will show differences. I suppose this is an example of convergent evolution with these two species, N. aristolochioides and N. klossii, both developing a trap that uses light to confuse the prey--independently. I think the reason the lid is extra large and covers the opening, is so the peristome and the area right around it are kept in the shade/dark. This helps enhance any contrast with the back wall of the pitcher and probably guides insects further into the pitcher.

[rainforest]

From the basic information provided by Longor, the pitcher lids might act as a preventative measure for rapid evaporation of fluid. Since the fluid needs to be as watery as possible, the heat of the day, coupled with air breezes would otherwise dry out the fluids within. Since ants are its main diet, a slight opening of the lid over a primitive peristome aids in countering evaporation and at the same time allowing just ants to enter.
I don't think convergent evolution is occurring here, but more of a coincidence of pitcher coloration between the two. N. maxima uppers are more green with reddish, well developed peristomes while klossii lowers and uppers are monomorphic.

N. klossii is a unique species that perhaps with N. aristolochioides has found a special niche for insect capture. Equally developed as Darlingtonias, they use fenestrated dark and light colored patterns to confuse their prey.

M

[longor]

i'm not sure about the light mechanism, but one thing for sure Klossii produces a lot of nectar glands under its lid. the mid rib is covered with nectar gland, the tip of the midrib has a little cavity that fills with gland, and at the base of the midrib the maxima like keel is also covered with glands. in some pitchers the underneath of the lid is covered with small ants engorging themselves on the nectar.

[suska]

ma_suska

[kinabalu]

It's just superb. What a rare nepenthes you found there.
The peristome looks more tilted than aristolochioides, it's almost with the vertical. Very strange and unique i think in this genus.

Thanks a lot, it's beautiful.

Kina

[Michael]

I am just speechless!
The plant is tremendous! Finally i can have a better look at the mythic N. klossii!
After this i dont know if N. clipeata still deserves the title of the most endangered of all species. I think it could be a draw with N. klossii.

[longor]

Hi Michael

I don't think Klossii is as threatened as Clipeata, where as clipeata is only known from a single location, Klossii has a much wider distribution. its just that, this particular location that we came across is marked for development, which is inevitabel.

[Michael]

We never know longor... Since these plants are dioeicious, it is the number of female plants that count. Imagine that in the other locations you only have males...
I am glad and very happy that you found female N. klossii plants over there, but since they are in such low numbers, isnt the risk of hybridization with the sympatric N. maxima greater? I think the probability of both male and female N. klossii flowers opening at the same time is very low...
And about the risk of the place being destroyed, isnt there anything that people can do to save the plant's (at least their genetic pool)?

[longor]

Thats what i had suspected as well upon inspecting plants at the location is is obvious that there is varying degree of maxima genes in it. i had assumed that that the klossii foto by Ch'ien is the true species, so i compared it to plants that i saw there. the shape of the lid and the position of the lid is the trademark of Klossii. I think the true species have dome shape lid, and opens at a much smaller angle. further, the size of the plant itself, and the hair covering. it is good news that i believe the female plant is a pure species.

as for conservation, its hard to fight progress. i wish we brought a shovel so we can dig every plant up, why preserve it insitu knowing the area is destined for clearing? but we only manage to take cuttings, its a big plant mind you.

[Michael]

You did the right thing (i would also do the same in your place). Now i hope that all of them root and then flower, so we can make a boost in it's numbers!

[suska]

/IMG]




















ma_suska

[Michael]

Oh wow! I just can't stop watching these pictures over and over again... And that spur, is right at the middle of the dome and a bit far from the base of the lid, when compared to most species... And the peristome doesnt curl back completely... Interesting!

[suska]

some hybrids with N. maxima:







size comparison:


ma_suska

[obregon562]

wow wow wow. amazing. Thanks so much for taking those great pics!

...One day this species will be in cultivation. One day...

[longor]

it is, for a while actually, its just none are available for sale