A critically endangered tropical pitcher plant
The characteristic of N. rigidifolia lies in its rigid leaves, in addition to a unique pattern and scarlet color in its peristome.
Nepenthes rigidifolia (Nepenthes rigidifolia)
Grant Number:
222529482
Awarded Amount:
8000
Continent:
Asia
Country:
Indonesia
Awarded Date:
01/02/2023
Sumatra, the paradise island of Nepenthes, is home to 38 species of Nepenthes of which 33 are endemic, including the critically endangered Nepenthes rigidifolia or Takur-Takur as the Karo people call it.
This Nepenthes was first identified by Pitra Akhriadi and his partners in 2003. The characteristic of N. rigidifolia lies in its rigid leaves, in addition to a unique pattern and scarlet color in its peristome. The threats to Nepenthes rigidifolia, a unique and sought-after plant, include overexploitation by collectors and the degradation of its natural habitat through forest destruction. These factors pose a significant risk to the population of this species.
Elga Renjana, Angga Yudaputra and partners from the The National Research and Innovation Agency of The Republic of Indonesia Agency are on a mission to save N. rigidifolia. An expedition supported by the MBZ Fund was guided by the Forestry and Environmental Services of North Sumatra Province and the local people to research four regencies of North Sumatra, namely Karo, Dairi, Pakpak Bharat and Simalungun. The species was only located in a small population in Karo Regency.
Apart from collecting samples (to be dissected at Botanical gardens of Indonesia), propagating community involvement and education was another key component of the project.
Project lead by
Elga Renjana
Researcher
National Research and Innovation Agency