Nepenthes tenax (/nɪˈpɛnθiːz ˈtɛnæks/; from Latin: tenax "tenacious") is a lowland species of tropical pitcher plant native to northern Queensland, Australia. It is the third Nepenthes species recorded from the continent and its second endemic species. Nepenthes tenax is closely related to the three other Australian Nepenthes species: N. mirabilis, N. rowaniae and N. parvula.
| Nepenthes tenax | |
|---|---|
| |
| An upper pitcher of N. tenax | |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Order: | Caryophyllales |
| Family: | Nepenthaceae |
| Genus: | Nepenthes |
| Species: | N. tenax
|
| Binomial name | |
| Nepenthes tenax | |
Nepenthes tenax grows to a height of around 100 cm with pitchers rarely exceeding 15 cm. The stem is usually self-supporting. In its natural habitat, it is sympatric with N. mirabilis and N. rowaniae. Simple and complex natural hybrids involving both of these species have been found.[3]
Distribution edit
Nepenthes tenax reside in the lower levels of the swamps on floodplains surrounding the Jardine River on the northern Cape York peninsula appear to be the only habitats for this species, which is reportedly restricted to open sandy substrates or saturated wetlands.
References edit
- ^ Clarke, C.M.; Wilson, G. (2014). "Nepenthes tenax". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2014: e.T49005833A49010011. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2014-1.RLTS.T49005833A49010011.en. Retrieved 19 November 2021.
- ^ Clarke, C.M & R. Kruger 2006. Nepenthes tenax C.Clarke and R.Kruger (Nepenthaceae), a new species from Cape York Peninsula, Queensland. Austrobaileya 7(2): 319–324.
- ^ McPherson, S.R. 2009. Pitcher Plants of the Old World. 2 volumes. Redfern Natural History Productions, Poole.
Further reading edit
- Bateman, D. 2011. Scientists combing Cape York for new carnivorous plant. The Cairns Post, 29 April 2011.
- Bourke, G. & R. Nunn 2012. Nepenthes. In: Australian Carnivorous Plants. Redfern Natural History Productions, Poole. pp. 148–167.
- Lavarack, P.S. 1981. Nepenthes mirabilis in Australia. Carnivorous Plant Newsletter 10(3): 69–72, 74–76.
- Lowrie, A. 2013. Nepenthes tenax C.Clarke & R.Kruger. In: Carnivorous Plants of Australia Magnum Opus – Volume Three. Redfern Natural History Productions, Poole. pp. 910–913.
- McPherson, S.R. & A. Robinson 2012. Field Guide to the Pitcher Plants of Australia and New Guinea. Redfern Natural History Productions, Poole.
- Michael, P. 2008. Rare carnivorous plant in danger. The Courier Mail, 22 January 2008.
- Rat-eating plant discovered in Cape York. ABC News, 22 January 2008.
- Wilson, G.W., F. Venter, R.F. Wilson & D. Crayn 2011. Chasing Nepenthes on Cape York, Queensland. Carnivorous Plant Newsletter 40(4): 122–128.
- Nepenthes of Australia[permanent dead link] by Stewart McPherson
External links edit
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