Diversity of Lowland Nepenthes (Pitcher Plants) in Bangka Belitung Islands

Abstract

Nepenthes is a carnivorous planthat mostly grows in nutrient-poor soils. Such soil conditions are commonly found at lowland habitats in Bangka-Belitung Islands. The existence of Nepenthesin this islands is threatened caused by habitat destruction and over exploitation. This study aims to inventory the diversity of lowland Nepenthes in Bangka Belitung Islands. The inventory was conducted by exploring various lowland habitats 0-1000 meter above sea level in the islands. Seven species of Nepenthes were found at the study area, consisted of N. gracilis, N. mirabilis, N. ampullaria, N. rafflesiana, N. reinwardtiana and two natural hybrid species of N. hookeriana (N. rafflesiana x N. ampullaria) and N. neglecta (N. gracilis x N. mirabilis). Those pitcher plants occur in heath forest, secondary forest, swamps, lowland forest and post-mining land. The most common and widespread species of the pitcher plants in Bangka Belitung is N. gracilis.