Nepenthes bicalcarata

Common Name: Twin Spurred Nepenthes

Family: Nepenthaceae

Country of Origin: Borneo

Description: The Twin-spurred Nepenthes, Nepenthes bicalcurata, is an insectivorous vine native to Borneo. At the end of the leaf is a tendril; at the end of the tendril is a fluid filled ascidium (pitcher). The pitcher has what appear to be two fangs under the lid. These fangs often drip with nectar created to attract hungry insects. It is a wickedly seductive plant and it is a death trap for most insects. Most, but not all. The tendril of the N. bicalcurata is hollow and provides a snug home for Colobopsis ants.

Although, the Nepenthes receive most of their nutrients from insects that have fallen into their pitchers, too many insects start to decompose and foul the digestive fluid in the pitcher. When the fluid becomes fouled, the pitcher withers and dies. The loss of a pitcher is a tremendous drain on the energy resources of the plant.

The Colobopsis ants can swim and they swim in a fluid designed to tranquilize, drown, and digest insects. They can also climb the slippery sides of the pitcher. The ants remove large insects, preventing the early loss of the pitcher. The ants receive a home and food for the taking. And the Nepenthes is saved from a case of insect indigestion.

Accession #: 217

Accession Date: -0001-11-30 00:00:00

Bloom Status: 🪴 Not Flowering

Quantity: 1

Source: Black Jungle

Division: Magnoliophyta

Class: Magnoliopsida

Subclass: core eudicots

Order: Caryophyllales

Family: Nepenthaceae