Nepenthes kampalili (Nepenthaceae), a new species of pitcher plant from the eastern mindanao biodiversity corridor, Philippines

Abstract

A new species, restricted in the limestone karst bonsai forest of the eastern Mindanao biodiversity corridor, Nepenthes kampalili grouped under section Villosa is herein described with a taxonomic key leading to the species. It differs from N. peltata in having apically attached tendril to leaf (vs. peltate tendril-leaf attachment), densely pubescent ground pitchers (vs. glabrous), densely pubescent lid dorsal surface (vs. glabrous), and occasionally has 2 pitcher spurs arising from the midsection of the peristome neck posterior (vs. one unbranched pitcher spur). The species described is assessed as Critically Endangered facing threats of poaching and habitat loss without legislative protection and calls for immediate conservation efforts. Further, due to a lack of description for the rosette stems bearing ground pitchers and male inflorescence of N. candalaga the latter plant parts are described herein.