Botanists believe they have discovered one of the world's largest carnivorous plants in Southeast Asia. The giant pitcher plants were located in Palawan, central Philippines by a team led by UK botanist Stewart McPherson.
The second largest species, now called Nepenthes attenboroughii has been named in honor of the UK's world-renowned natural history presenter Sir David Attenborough.
The new discovery measures about 30 centimeters in diameter and are formed in the shape of a large cup, which McPherson says is full of water and acidic enzymes.
Prey is attracted by a sweet-scented nectar and once captured in the cup is prevented from escaping by the slippery, waxy leaves and, as a consequence, drowns.
McPherson discovered over 20 new varieties of pitcher plant on the trip and made two rediscoveries.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
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