Related Species
An upper pitcher of N. edwardsiana (left) and N. villosa (right)Nepenthes macrophylla is most closely related to N. edwardsiana and N. villosa. In his Carnivorous Plant Database, taxonomist Jan Schlauer treats N. macrophylla as a possible synonym of N. villosa.
Nepenthes macrophylla differs from both of these species in the structure of its peristome. Although highly developed, the peristome ribs and teeth of N. macrophylla are considerably shorter and more widely-spaced than those of either N. edwardsiana or N. villosa. The pitcher mouth of N. macrophylla is distinctive in that it rises gradually towards the lid, while at the same time not forming a pronounced neck. In addition, the mouth of this species has a much more oblique insertion than its relatives. Nepenthes macrophylla is also distinguished by its broad, ovate lid. The lower pitchers of N. edwardsiana and N. macrophylla are quite similar in shape, although in the latter species the hip is always positioned in the upper portion of the pitcher cup. The upper pitchers of these species are more distinct, with those of N. macrophylla being more ovoid and less elongated. As its name suggests, N. macrophylla produces very large leaves and these may be twice as long as those of either N. edwardsiana or N. villosa.
Whereas N. edwardsiana and N. villosa are restricted to generally ultramafic soils in the Kinabalu area, N. macrophylla is only found near the summit of Mount Trus Madi, which is mostly composed of sandstone.
Botanists Matthew Jebb and Martin Cheek suggest that N. macrophylla is related to N. mira, a species endemic to Palawan in the Philippines.
Read more about this topic: Nepenthes Macrophylla
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