Heliamphora pulchella was formally described in 2005 by Andreas Wistuba, Thomas Carow, Peter Harbarth, and Joachim Nerz. The species name pulchella derives from Latin, meaning “beautiful,” a nod to its striking appearance. It was previously confused with Heliamphora minor, but distinct morphological traits—especially pitcher hair structure—led to its recognition as a separate species.
 
Habitat Overview
Heliamphora pulchella inhabits the Chimanta Massif and surrounding tepuis (table-top mountains) in Venezuela, thriving at elevations between 1850 and 2550 meters. It is highly adaptable and grows in a variety of microhabitats including:
Marshy savannahs
Bonnetia forest clearings
Scrub vegetation
Hummocks near shallow ponds and streams.
 
In some cases, plants are found partially submerged in water, reflecting their tolerance for extremely wet conditions. The environment is cool, humid, and often mist-covered, typical of the Guiana Highlands cloud forests.
 
Range and Distribution
Heliamphora pulchella is endemic to the eastern range of the Guayana Shield, specifically the Chimanta Massif and nearby tepuis such as Amurí Tepui, Akopan Tepui, and Churi Tepui. It is considered one of the most ecologically adaptable and widely distributed species within the genus, though still confined to high-altitude tepui summits in southern Venezuela.
 
Physical Characteristics
Heliamphora pulchella is a small, compact species with stout pitchers reaching up to 12 cm in height. The pitchers are:
Heart- or bell-shaped, with a wide opening
Topped by a helmet-shaped nectar spoon, held directly above the opening
Equipped with a narrow slit at the front to regulate water levels.
 
The interior of the pitchers often features long retentive hairs and a silvery sheen from fine trichomes, though some populations lack these hairs entirely. The coloration ranges from dark red, maroon, or purple in strong light to muted green with red veins in lower light. The plant tends to clump and spread horizontally, making it ideal for collectors who favor compact species.