Nepenthes lingulata is a striking and rare tropical pitcher plant endemic to northern Sumatra, Indonesia. It was formally described in 2006 by Chi C. Lee, Hernawati, and Akhriadi following fieldwork conducted in 2004–2005. The species name lingulata is derived from the Latin lingula, meaning “small tongue,” referring to the plant’s distinctive filiform appendage that hangs over the pitcher mouth—a key identifying feature.
Habitat Overview: Climate and Soil
N. lingulata grows in montane forest environments at elevations around 2,000 meters above sea level, where conditions are cool, humid, and cloudy year-round. The soil is typically acidic and nutrient-poor, composed of moss, leaf litter, and organic debris.
Natural Range and Distribution
This species is endemic to North Sumatra, with its type locality situated south of Padang Sidempuan. It is known only from a limited area, making it vulnerable to habitat disturbance. Its restricted range and specialized habitat suggest that it may be at risk, although its conservation status has not been formally assessed.
Physical Characteristics
Nepenthes lingulata is a climbing plant, with stems reaching up to 8 meters in length and less than 4 mm in thickness. The rosette pitchers are large, up to 28 cm tall, infundibular in the lower half and cylindrical above. They feature fringed wings, a flattened peristome up to 3 cm wide, and a triangular lid. The most distinctive feature is the filiform appendage (up to 4 cm long) that hangs over the pitcher mouth and bears raised nectar glands. The upper pitchers are smaller (up to 12.3 cm tall) and more slender, with reduced wings and a narrower peristome.
Similar Species and Differentiation
Nepenthes lingulata is most closely related to N. izumiae, sharing similar pitcher morphology and coloration. However, it is easily distinguished by:
- The long filiform lid appendage (absent in N. izumiae)
- A triangular lid shape (vs. orbicular in N. izumiae)
- The position and presence of nectar glands
- A dense, woolly indumentum covering parts of the plant.
These features make N. lingulata one of the more morphologically unique species in the genus.