A new way to identify living species of Nepenthes (Nepenthaceae): More data needed

Abstract

We present a possibly simple and effective way to identify living specimens of the various species of Nepenthes. The volume and height of the pitchers are closely correlated variables of which the mathematical relationship between them can be expressed in a simple formula. These formulas, preferably of the upper pitchers when available, are slightly different for most species investigated, especially for the largest pitchers on specimens. This method is easily applicable in Botanical Gardens, which generally have a small, highly similar set of species. However, the results are based on few data (few specimens per species, only from two botanical gardens). Thus, please help, by providing more data, especially of hybrids, to further test the method.

DNA Barcoding, Phylogenetic Analysis and Secondary Structure Predictions of Nepenthes ampullaria, Nepenthes gracilis and Nepenthes rafflesiana

“…According to previous reports, taxonomic classification of Nepenthes has been based on morphological characteristics such as shape, color, size and ornamentation [ 1 , 2 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 ]. Although this is common for Nepenthes , it frequently causes confusion because of characters that can be hard to find [ 8 ]. For example, taxonomic confusion in Nepenthes has been reported when N. pilosa was confused with N. chaniana , N. talangensis with N. bongso, and N. lamii with N. vieillardii [ 3 , 7 ].…”