Chien C. Lee

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Plants 273 images Created 10 Jun 2016

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  • Near the summit of Gunung Murud (Sarawak's highest mountain), an newly described species of tiny bush frog (Philautus nepenthophilus) hides within the fluid of a carnivorous pitcher plant (Nepenthes mollis), apparently unaffected by the plant's digestive juices therein. Phytotelmata (water bodies held by plants) provide living quarters and breeding grounds for many unique creatures which are completely dependent on them. Pulong Tau National Park, Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • The bizarre bloom of a Rhizanthes (R. lowii) unfurls its odorous and sinister-looking petals. A member of the Rafflesia family, this rare plant is also completely parasitic, living within its host vine and possessing no leaves, stems, or roots of its own. Like the more well-known Rafflesia, the flowers mimic a rotting animal carcass to attract carrion flies as pollinators. Measuring perhaps 30cm across, the bloom is only open for a few days before dying. Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • A lone emergent Tapang (Koompassia excelsa) tree towers above the mist-shrouded canopy of the Borneo rainforest to catch the morning sun. This is one of the tallest tropical tree species with recorded heights of over 85 meters. Sabah, Malaysia.
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  • A Hardwicke's Woolly Bat (Kerivoula hardwickii returns to its roost in a pitcher of Nepenthes hemsleyana. This recently discovered mutualism benefits both parties. The bats obtain a secure shelter safe from predators and rain, and the plants derive a significant portion of their nitrogen from the bat's droppings. Belait, Brunei Darussalam (Borneo).
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  • Rather than being carnivorous, this unusual pitcher plant (Nepenthes lowii) derives its nutrition from the droppings of the Mountain Treeshrew (Tupaia montana). The animals are attracted to the plant's copious nectar secretions, and inevitably leave their scat in the pitchers which are designed like a natural toilet receptacle. Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • Pitcher plant (Nepenthes campanulata), a limestone lithophytic carnivorous plant, here growing on a cliff 250m above the rainforest canopy. Mulu National Park, Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • A clearing in raiforest is dominated by wild banana trees (Musa sp.). Ha Giang, Vietnam.
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  • Unseen since its original discovery in 1866 by Odoardo Beccarii, the elusive Thismia neptunis was found again in western Borneo in 2018. Like other mycoheterotrophic plants, it is unable to photosynthesize and derives its sustenance entirely from subterranean fungi. Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • Orchid (Bulbophyllum canisopterum). East Kalimantan, Indonesia (Borneo).
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  • Helmet Orchid (Corybas pictus). East Kalimantan, Indonesia (Borneo).
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  • Nepenthes ephippiata, a dung-eating pitcher plant endemic to Borneo. Esat Kalimantan, Indonesia.
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  • Although the blooms of this rare mangrove tree (Pelliciera rhizophorae) are visited by hummingbirds in the day, the flowers remain open at night and exude a strong musty odor to attract an entirely different animal. Captured by an infrared camera trigger, a Leaf-nosed Bat (Glossophaga soricina) approaches an open flower to partake of the rich source of nectar. Nectar-feeding bats are common in the tropics and are responsible for the pollination of a great number of tree species. Choco, Colombia.
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  • Grandidier's Baobab (Adansonia grandidieri). The baobab trees of Madagascar are such an iconic sight that it's easy to overlook the fact that some species are highly endangered. In addition to habitat loss, Madagascar baobabs have very poor seedling survival rates and young trees are a rare find. It is theorized that their large pulpy fruits were only consumed by now extinct animals such as giant tortoises, baboon-like lemurs, and the enormous elephant birds, which served to disperse the tree's seeds. Since some of these animals only disappeared in the past thousand years it is quite possible that the oldest trees existing today germinated from the dung of Madagascar's lost megafauna. Morondava, Madagascar.
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  • Bornean rainforest trees generally have relatively shallow root systems because moisture is abundant and nutrients are most available near the surface of the soil. Reinforcement of tree's stability is provided in some species by conspicuous root buttresses. Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • After quickly selecting a ripe fig (Ficus fistulosa), a Short-nosed Fruit Bat (Cynopterus brachyotis) makes off with her prize to dine some distance away at a safe perch, thereby helping to disperse the tree's seeds that will ultimately lead to fruit for her future generations. Figs reach their pinnacle of diversity in Borneo with at least 150 species and, perhaps more than any other group of plants, are considered keystone species of the rainforest because of the complex interdependences they exhibit with countless animals and insects. Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • A delicate wild begonia (Begonia ambodiforahensis) from the ever-wet rainforest of northeastern Madagascar. Masoala National Park, Madagascar.
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  • Nectar-feeding bats play an essential role in the pollination of many rainforest trees. Here, a Long-tongued Nectar Bat (Macroglossus minimus) arrives at the night-blooming blossoms of a durian tree (Durio zibethinus). Prized for its delectable aromatic fruit, the productivity of many durian plantations is under threat where the native bat populations have been killed off by hunters. Sabah, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • Hardwicke's Woolly Bat (Kerivoula hardwickii) at a pitcher of Nepenthes hemsleyana (N. baramensis) where it roosts. Belait, Brunei Darussalam (Borneo).
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  • Nepenthes argentii. With traps usually less than 3 cm in height this species is perhaps the smallest Nepenthes pitcher plant in the world. It is endemic to Mt. Guiting-guiting on Sibuyan Island, where it grows among stunted alpine vegetation. Romblon, Philippines.
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  • A bird's eye view of one of the most unusual pitcher plants in Borneo: Nepenthes veitchii. Whilst most other Nepenthes utilize their looping tendrils to climb higher into vegetation, this species is unique in its 'tree-hugging' growth habit. Starting from the ground up, the thick leathery leaves wrap snugly around the side of the host tree, enabling the plant to reach high into the bright canopy. The beautiful hairy pitchers can reach over 20cm in length and with their slippery wide peristome (toothed rim) they are efficient insect traps. Sabah, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • ore than just a death trap: the watery chamber of this carnivorous pitcher plant (Nepenthes ampullaria) in the Borneo rainforest is home to a brood of tiny tadpoles. One of the world's smallest frogs (Microhyla nepenthicola), this species will lay its eggs nowhere else, making them completely dependent on the plants. Here, the tadpoles grow in relative safety, except when they are faced with other water-dwelling predators including huge carnivorous mosquitoes. After several weeks they will mature into tiny froglets and make their escape from the pitcher. Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • During a rare mass fruiting season winged seeds of a dipterocarp tree (Dryobalanops lanceolata) whirl their way down to the forest floor like miniature helicopters. This adaptation allows the seeds to scatter over a larger area, thus increasing their chance of survival. Danum Valley Conservation Area, Sabah, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • A bush frog (Philautus amoenus) emerges from it's watery shelter in the pitcher of Nepenthes × harryana. Mount Kinabalu. Sabah, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • Bush frog (Philautus nepenthophilus) in pitcher plant (Nepenthes mollis). Pulong Tau National Park, Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • Cloud forest is a widespread biome in mountains of Central and South America, where hot humid equatorial air rises into the cool mountains.  Here the humidity and precipitation are so high that the trees frequently become covered with epiphytic bromeliads and orchids. Henri Pittier National Park, Venezuela.
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  • Heliamphora pulchella, a carnivorous pitcher plant endemic to the summits of only a few remote tepuis (tabletop mountains) in southeastern Venezuela. Insects which fall inside are prevented from escaping by the downward-pointing bristles and quickly drown. Canaima National Park, Venezuela.
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  • The interior of a giant Rafflesia flower (R. tuan-mudae). With petals sometimes spanning over a meter in diameter, Rafflesia are the world's largest flowers. Flies, which act as pollinators, are attracted to the color and stench of the bloom, which mimics rotting meat. Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • Undoubtedly one of the world's most remarkable plants, the parasitic Rafflesia holds the record for having the largest flower, sometimes reching over one meter across. Their macabre beauty belies a clever deception: the dark reddish coloration and putrid stench of the bloom mimic the rotting carcass of an animal, which thus lures carrion flies into the interior chamber where they will pollinate it. There are around 30 species in the genus, with variable flower sizes, this being R. tuan-mudae from Borneo, one of the largest. Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • Nearly mature flower buds of Rhizanthes lowii, just several days before opening. Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • Heliconia wagneriana. Osa Peninsula, Puntarenas, Costa Rica.
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  • Rafflesia tuan-mudae, male flower. Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • Alocasia puncakborneensis, a new Bornean endemic described in 2020. Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • Water trumpet (Cryptocoryne ferruginea). Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • White Bat Flower (Tacca integrifolia). Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • Dutchman's Pipe (Aristolochia tagala). Bako National Park, Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • Begonia pulvinifera. Ha Giang, Vietnam.
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  • Striped Bladderwort (Utricularia striatula). Bach Ma National Park, Vietnam.
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  • The poor soils of many of Borneo’s natural habitats are home to many unusual plants, the most famous of which are undoubtedly the carnivorous pitcher plants (Nepenthes). The slippery-rimmed traps are designed to lure and consume insects and even small animals to supplement the plant’s nutrition. One of the most extraordinary is Nepenthes veitchii, seen here growing up the side of a small tree, it’s pitchers open and ready for unsuspecting visitors. Maliau Basin Conservation Area, Sabah, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • Orchid (Dendrobium sp.). Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • Platycerium madagascaeriense, one of the most bizarre endemic plants of Madagascar. Like other staghorn ferns, this species is strictly an epiphyte, growing among the canopy branches of tall trees. It is becoming increasingly rare and difficult to find in the wild because of widespread deforestation in the wet submontane forests of the east coast. The unusual ruffled texture of the shield fronds is probably an adaptation to allow passageways for ants to live underneath – a relationship that is mutually beneficial for both plant and insect. Ranomafana National Park, Madagascar.
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  • Blooming high in a moss-laden tree of Ranomafana’s montane forest, this epiphytic orchid (Aerangis fastuosa) exhales an alluring perfume at night to attract its desired pollinator: hawk moths. Madagascar has many such night-active orchids, most of which sport long tapered nectaries that can only be reached by the long tongues of their associated moths. With over a thousand species, the orchids of Madagascar are exceptionally diverse. Ranomafana National Park, Madagascar.
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  • This Yellow Meranti (Shorea faguetiana) is the tallest tropical tree yet known, measured at 100.8m in height. Danum Valley, Sabah, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • Unseen since its original discovery in 1866 by Odoardo Beccarii, the elusive Thismia neptunis was found again in western Borneo in 2018. Like other mycoheterotrophic plants, it is unable to photosynthesize and derives its sustenance entirely from subterranean fungi. Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • Nepenthes distillatoria, a Sri Lankan endemic and the only pitcher plant species occurring on the island.
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  • Espeletia grandiflora. Bogota, Colombia.
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  • Cushion plant (Plantago rigida) among alpine Páramo vegetation. Pichincha, Ecuador.
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  • Rhododendron caespitosum, the world's smallest species of Rhododendron, growing on the trunks of tree ferns (Cyathea tomtosissima). Lake Habbema, Highland Papua, Indonesia (New Guinea).
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  • Orchid (Dendrobium dekockii). Highland Papua, Indonesia (New Guinea).
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  • A deceptive beauty: this tiny epiphytic orchid (Dendrobium cuthbertsonii), which bears flowers that last for up to nine months and are larger than the entire plant itself, offers no nectar reward for visiting pollinators. However, it appears remarkably similar in appearance to nectar-rich Rhododendrons which have flowers the same color and size and grow nearby. West Papua, Indonesia (New Guinea).
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  • Compact clumps of the rare pitcher plant Nepenthes campanulata grow on the vertical walls of a limestone cliff nearly a hundred meters above the canopy of the rainforest. Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • Nearly a thousand kilometers from the nearest landmass, the islands of the Seychelles are distantly isolated at the western end of the Indian Ocean. Much of these granitic islands were once cloaked in dense rainforest, harboring a unique array of flora and fauna found nowhere else. Here, a grove of the Seychelles Stilt Palm (Verschaffeltia splendida) dominates the lower forest canopy with its enormous undivided leaves. Like many of the endemic plants it is under threat from both invasive species and habitat loss.
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  • Nepenthes pervillei, the only pitcher plant occurring in the Seychelles, where it grows on massive granitic rock outcrops on just two islands amid a crystal clear aquamarine sea with white sand beaches. The plants grow in such luxuriant profusion that you can smell the sweet alluring scent of their pitchers that are dripping with nectar. Long considered one of the most primitive and aberrant of all Nepenthes, N. pervillei was once placed in its own genus based on its unusual seeds and flowers.
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  • Unlike most staghorn ferns which hold their shield fronds in an open basket-like shape to collect falling leaf litter, this unusual species (Platycerium ridleyi) clasps its leaves entirely around the host tree branch. The secret lies within: it plays host to a colony of ants which live underneath the sheltering enclosure of the fronds. As with other myrmecophytes (ant-plants), this fern gains its nutrients from the detritus that the ants leave behind, and it is frequently found growing in groups in the same tree (in addition to other species of ant ferns) that are inhabited by the same extensive ant colony. Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • Widespread in New Guinea, this pitcher plant (Nepenthes maxima) exhibits a great diversity of pitcher forms and colors. Pictured here is a variety from the Anggi Lakes region of the Arfak Mountains. West Papua, Indonesia (New Guinea).
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  • A subtropical sundew (Drosera serpens) from the Cape York Peninsula. Queensland, Australia.
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  • Nepenthes rowanae, one of only a few pitcher plant species endemic to Australia. This species grows only in ever-wet swamps of the Cape York Peninsula. Queensland, Australia.
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  • A view from within the pitcher of this semi-carnivorous plant (Nepenthes ampullaria). Without a protective lid as in most other species of Nepenthes, the pitchers of N. ampullaria are exposed to rain as well as a continual fall of leaf litter from the forest canopy. In this way they are able to derive a significant portion of their nutrients from detritus. The dark objects on the inner rim are pupae of a Megaselia fly whose larvae feed on dead insects within the pitcher fluid. Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • A Long-tongued Nectar Bat (Macroglossus minimus) visits the flowers of a durian tree (Durio zibethinus) which open to release their nectar only at night. This bat, which is one of the smallest fruit bats, is an important pollinator of not only durian but many other forest trees. Danum Valley, Sabah, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • Parashorea malaanonan, buttress roots. Danum Valley Conservation Area, Sabah, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • Dendrobium bracteosum, an epiphytic orchid blooms in submontane forest in eastern Halmahera. North Maluku, Indonesia.
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  • This pitcher plant (Nepenthes tomoriana) is endemic to Sulawesi where it can be found growing exclusively on ultrabasic rock substrates. South Sulawesi, Indonesia.
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  • With its rapidly mobile marginal tentacles, this small carnivorous sundew (Drosera burmannii) is able to secure a trapped insect and transport it towards the centre of its leaves where it can be digested. It occurs widely in wet sandy habitats across Southeast Asia. Kampot, Cambodia.
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  • Usually visible only by its flowers, this carnivorous bladderwort (Utricularia odorata) possesses tiny underground traps which enable it to consume small invertebrates in the wet soil. Kampot, Cambodia.
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  • This epiphytic orchid (Chelonistele sulphurea) occurs in montane forests from Sumatra, through Malaysia and Borneo to the Philippines. The flowers are small and fragrant. Sabah, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • With some of the largest leaves of all orchids, this bizarre species (Bulbophyllum beccarii) spirals its way up a tree trunk in the lowland rainforest of Borneo. The leaves are designed to trap falling leaf litter which serves as a supply of nutrients for this entirely epiphytic plant. The blooms smell of rotting fish which attract swarms of flies as pollinators. Mulu National Park, Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • Endemic to Indonesian New Guinea, this pitcher plant (Nepenthes lamii) is known only from upper montane habitats, occasionally growing as high as 3500m where frosts occur. Highland Papua, Indonesia (New Guinea).
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  • The upper pitcher of an undrescribed carnivorous pitcher plant (Nepenthes sp.) from a remote mountain range in central New Guinea. Papua, Indonesia.
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  • The lower pitcher of an undrescribed carnivorous pitcher plant (Nepenthes sp.) from a remote mountain range in central New Guinea. Papua, Indonesia.
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  • This pitcher plant (Nepenthes neoguineensis) is endemic to New Guinea where it can be found on lateritic soils near the coast. Papua, Indonesia (New Guinea).
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  • This unusual species of pitcher plant (Nepenthes klossii) bears a concealed opening to deceive insect prey. It is extremely rare, only growing in remote high elevaton swampy forests in New Guinea. Papua, Indonesia.
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  • Terrestrial orchid (Tainia paucifolia). Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • With its fearsome clawed peristome, this pitcher plant (Nepenthes hamata) is one of the most spectacular and sought-after species in the entire genus. It is endemic to the higher mountains of Sulawesi where it grows on steep mossy ridges. Central Sulawesi, Indonesia.
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  • This beautiful pitcher plant (Nepenthes ventricosa) is endemic to the mountains of Luzon Island. Aurora, Philippines.
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  • This large and showy orchid (Dendrobium sanderae) grows epiphytically on trees in the mountains of Luzon Island. Aurora, Philippines.
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  • Polyalthia cauliflora. Cauliflory (flowering and fruiting along the trunk) is a common phenomenon among many rainforest tree species and is an adaptation to reach pollinating and dispersing animals in the understory. Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • The Borneo rainforest understory is home to a great diversity of fan palms, with nearly 50 species recorded. Many, including this species (Licuala petiolulata), are endemic to the island. Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • Many rheophytic (streamside) plants, such as the Bornean endemic palm Pinanga tenella, posses narrow leaves which are capable of withstanding occasional floods of swift water without being torn. Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • One of the most beautiful of all pitcher plants, Nepenthes edwardsiana produces enormous cylindrical pitchers which are strikingly colored. It is endemic to the Mount Kinabalu region in northern Borneo.
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  • Rafflesia keithii. With blooms up to nearly 1 meter in diameter, this parasitic plant produces some of the largest flowers in the genus. It is endemic to Sabah (northern Borneo). Twin blooms such as this are a rare occurrence. Sabah, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • The large red fruits of this Kelumpang Sarawak (Sterculia megistophylla) tree have split open revealing the shiny seeds within. Cauliflory (flowering and fruiting along the trunk) is a common phenomenon among many rainforest tree species, and is an adaptation to reach pollinating and dispersing animals in the understory. Sabah, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • Crepidium sp., a terrestrial orchid from the montane forest of Mount Kinabalu. Sabah, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • Giant Groundsel (Dendrosenecio eric-rosenii ssp. alticola) and Lobelia growing at edge of Bisoke Volcano crater lake. Ruhengeri, Rwanda.
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  • Sundew (Drosera cuneifolia), from Table Mountain. Western Cape, South Africa.
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  • Perched high on a limestone cliff, a rare slipper orchid (Paphiopedilum stonei) puts on a showy display of multiple blooms. This endangered species occurs only in a few localities in western Borneo where its population has been heavily depleted by wild collecting. Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • Within the chamber of a giant pitcher plant (Nepenthes rajah), an iridescent Elephant Mosquito (Toxorhynchites sp.) emerges from its pupal case. These large mosquitoes do not suck blood, feeding instead on flower nectar and plant sap. The larvae are voracious predators of aquatic insects, including the young of other mosquitoes. Sabah, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • An enormous pitcher trap (Nepenthes rafflesiana) rests on the forest floor, an open but sinister invitation for wandering insects. This carnivorous plant has been known to occasionally catch and consume mice in its voluminous pitchers which can reach over 40cm in height. Belait, Brunei Darussalam (Borneo).
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  • Pitcher plant (Nepenthes rafflesiana), upper pitcher. Brunei Darussalam (Borneo).
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  • Pygmy Sundews (Drosera eneabba), tiny insectivorous plants growing in rocky lateritic soil. Mount Lesueur National Park, Jurien Bay, Western Australia.
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  • Nepenthes macrophylla. This rare montane pitcher plant is endemic only to the summit of Gunung Trusmadi, Malaysia's second highest mountain. Sabah, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • A non-climbing species, this pitcher plant (Nepenthes campanulata) grows only on the vertical faces of tall limestone cliffs in Borneo. It is so difficult to observe in habitat that it was once thought to be extinct. Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • Nepenthes alba. This endemic pitcher plant grows only along the quartz ridge of the summit of Gunung Tahan, Peninsular Malaysia's highest mountain. Kelantan, Malaysia.
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  • The seasonally dry savanna landscape of Rinca Island is dominated by Lontar Palms (Borassus flabellifer). East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia.
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  • The smallest frog in Borneo at scarcely over 1 cm in length, a male Matang Narrow-mouthed Frog (Microhyla nepenthicola), perches on the lip of a pitcher plant (Nepenthes ampullaria) where he will entice a female to lay her eggs. These tiny frogs are so far known to breed only in the water-filled chambers of certain pitcher plants, and their small size may be an adaptation for this lifestyle. Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • An infrared camera trap reveals a secretive nocturnal visitor to the giant pitchers of Nepenthes rajah. The Kinabalu Rat (Rattus baluensis) is known only from the upper slopes of Mount Kinabalu in northern Borneo. New research has confirmed that this rodent shares a similar mutualistic relationship with these pitcher plants as the Mountain Treeshrew (Tupaia montana), by obtaining sweet nectar in exchange for their nitrogen-rich droppings. Sabah, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • Mountain Treeshrew (Tupaia montana) feeding at Nepenthes rajah.  Recent research has shown the the world's largest pitcher plant Nepenthes rajah is not exclusively carnivorous. Like the related N. lowii, this species attracts treeshrews by secreting nectar on the undersurface of the lid. These animals frequently leave their droppings in the pitcher, which serves as a valuable nitrogen source in their impoverished mountain habitat. Mount Kinabalu National Park, Sabah, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • The thin pitcher lid and complete lack of a peristome make this Sumatran pitcher plant (Nepenthes inermis) unique in the genus. It has unusually viscous pitcher fluid that may aid in trapping insects. West Sumatra, Indonesia.
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  • Pitcher plant (Nepenthes flava). North Sumatra, Indonesia.
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  • The tiny chlorophyll-free flowers of a Thismia (T. cf. filiformis), a mycoheterotrophic plant. Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).
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  • Pitcher plant (Nepenthes attenboroughii). Palawan, Philippines.
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  • Pitcher plant (Nepenthes attenboroughii). Palawan, Philippines.
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