Nepenthes limiana (Nepenthaceae), a new pitcher plant from the northern Titiwangsa Range of Peninsular Malaysia

Abstract

Nepenthes limiana, a pitcher plant from the northern Titiwangsa Range of Peninsular Malaysia, is described as new. It is the northernmost known species of the recently defined N. macfarlanei group, whose members are characterised by the presence of conspicuous hairs on the lower surface of the lid. It differs from other members of this group in exhibiting adaptations to seasonal drought in the form of thickened roots and narrow laminae that are reminiscent of those produced by the pyrophytic Nepenthes of Indochina and northernmost Malaysia. Coupled with the presence of decurrent leaf bases, which are not present in any other N. macfarlanei group species but which are present in the pyrophytic Nepenthes, these characters could indicate either morphological convergence or an as yet uncharacterised relationship between N. limiana and the Nepenthes species of Indochina.