Morphological characteristic of Nepenthes gymnamphora’s pitcher in Pasir Cadas Panjang Mountain Ciwidey West Java

Abstract

Limited information exists on the variation and function of pitcher morphological diversity in Nepenthes spp., necessitating further research. Based on a previous study in Mount Pasir Cadas Panjang Ciwidey that identified N. gymnamphora, this research aims to characterize pitcher morphology in Mount Pasir Cadas Panjang Ciwidey. The method used purposive sampling from six locations of N. gymnamphora, pitchers were categorized into upper and lower types based on size. The study revealed distinct differences in shape between upper and lower pitchers. The upper type exhibited a jug-like enlargement at the bottom, narrowing towards the top and enlarging again at the peristome. In contrast, the lower type featured a uniformly enlarged diameter from the bottom to the peristome. Both types shared similar components, differing mainly in wing characteristics the upper type having unhaired and unembossed wings, while the lower type had embossed and haired wings. Pitcher colors included green, patterned, and reddish, with higher elevations correlating with a greater likelihood of reddish or patterned pitchers. This research provides comprehensive data on the morphological and anatomical variations of N. gymnamphora, offering valuable insights for future studies.