Nepenthes clipeata, commonly known as the shield-leaved pitcher plant, is a critically endangered species of tropical pitcher plant endemic to Borneo. It was first described by B.H. Danser in 1928, based on specimens collected by Johannes Gottfried Hallier in 1894. The species name clipeata is derived from the Latin clipeus, meaning “round shield,” referring to the shape of its peltate leaves. It is one of the rarest and most threatened Nepenthes species in the wild.
Habitat Overview: Climate and Soil
N. clipeata grows in humid tropical montane conditions, specifically on near-vertical granite cliff faces of Mount Kelam in West Kalimantan, Indonesia, at elevations between 600 and 800 meters. The habitat is characterized by thin patches of humus, high humidity, and frequent rainfall. The species is adapted to grow in extremely limited soil pockets on sheer rock surfaces, making it highly vulnerable to environmental changes. A fire and overcollection have severely reduced its habitat range.
Natural Range and Distribution
This species is endemic to Mount Kelam, and its distribution is now extremely restricted. As of the mid-1990s, only around 15 individual plants were estimated to remain in the wild. It was once more widespread around the summit, but habitat destruction and illegal collection have confined it to inaccessible cliff faces. Conservation efforts are ongoing, but its status remains Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List.
Physical Characteristics
Nepenthes clipeata is a non-climbing shrub, with stems reaching up to 2 meters in length. It is characterized by peltate leaves, where the tendril attaches to the underside of the leaf blade before the apex. The pitchers are large, up to 30 cm tall, globose at the base, and funnel-shaped in the upper part. The species produces only one type of pitcher, and all parts of the plant are densely covered in long, brown hairs (indumentum). The inflorescence is small, rarely exceeding 25 cm.
Similar Species and Differentiation
N. clipeata is morphologically distinct due to its peltate leaf attachment, non-climbing habit, and uniform pitcher type. It may be confused with species like N. pitopangii or N. rigidifolia, which also have stout pitchers and limited distributions, but differs in leaf structure and growth form. Its unique adaptation to vertical cliff habitats further sets it apart from other Nepenthes species.