[Sockhom]

February 25th 2009:


I have two favourite lowland species. Ok, maybe 3 with N. sumatrana. These are N. northiana and N. bicalcarata.
When I was in Borneo, I eagerly waited to meet this legendary species.
Why am I so interested in this species you might ask? Well, its peculiar look, its ferocious fangs could be a good answer but what interest me the most is that it is virtually, by the sheer size of its leaf span and the lengh of its vine, one of the biggest Nepenthaceae species and, on top of that, the fact this species is well known for hosting some ant species.

This is what I really wanted to observe: the symbiotic relation of N. bicalcarata with ants. And my wish was fulfilled!

The place we visit is oddly familiar: it looks like European forests.



Of course, looking closely to the vegetation, we can soon realize that we are far from temperate Europe. I soon spot some familiar plants:




Nepenthes gracilis:





We swiftly take a few shots and have along the path some exquisite chats with our guides then we dive onto this European-looking forest.



Humidity level is very high, there is a smell of litter. The soil is wet, muddy and topped with a bed of dead leaves. I'm very surprised to discover in those shaded places some N. rafflesiana:




Then, my eyes lay on N. bicalcarata huge rosettes. I recognize the leaf shape at once:

[Sockhom]

As usual, when facing such beauty, I'm acting like a child... ;D














It's a magic atmosphere. One could almost think that the place would be soon be filled by Malaysian elves.

A moment later, the sophomore Nepenthes student overcomes the child and I soon observe the plants with a more technical eye.



"Dimorphism" is an accurate word, isn't it?

I really want to find this famous ant species. So, I'm calling it, whispering its name: "Camponotus schmitzi...!" But, it ain't work! ;D

[Sockhom]

I manage to locate the holes in the tendrils (Note: my pictures were bad, so I borrowed some pictures taken by our guide, Yeo):



Many lower pitchers have this hole. I'm lucky because holes are mainly found on upper pitchers (to avoid flooding).

Suddenly, I scream: an orange ant is appearing, going out from one of the holes! (bad quality pic, sorry) - The ant is on the pitcher's "wing".



We discover other ants. It is really fascinating. Ironically, we find ants from other species drowned in the pitcher's fluid.

Time goes by... We enjoy the place despite the heat, despite the heavy downpours...






Speak soon,

François.

[-=Joel=-]

Great pictures of an amazing nepenthes Francois.

Really hope my one puts out some pitchers once it warms up.

[SamInLondon]

A wonderful post - thank you for taking the time to show your photos. Bical uppers are so elegant.

When I went 'behind the scenes' at Kew last year I was surprised to see orange ants running up and down their bicalcarata. Could they really have come all the way from Borneo, or had some local population set up home? I've no idea.

[rsivertsen]

Great post François! N. bical is the ONLY ant plant of the genus to provide a special shelter for them, and feed on them as well! btw, how large a fish tank would you recommend to those who want to grow these plant to flowering size!? ;) - Rich

[LJ]

What a great report François - many many thanks for sharing it with us! Bical is one of my favourite nep species although one I've never tried growing, if only I had more space - it looks like they grow really big :)

Heather

[Amar]

I didn't know ants make holes in the bicalcarata tendrils, fascinating. Great pics, as usual!
For others that also did not know:
http://www.jstor.org/pss/2560082

[Jefforever]

Thanks for sharing, François!

I didn't realize how colorful the undersides of their lids are.

[laura]

Thanks, François!

Incredible post. Sounds like you had a great trip. I've never seen bicalaratas like that - hopefully mine will get that big someday.

Laura

[UtricSeb]

Thanks for showing one of my favorite Nepenthes species in nature. Great pictures of the plants and their habitat.

[Sockhom]

Great post François! N. bical is the ONLY ant plant of the genus to provide a special shelter for them, and feed on them as well! btw, how large a fish tank would you recommend to those who want to grow these plant to flowering size!? ;) - Rich

You're teasing the tank grower that I am, dear Rich .

Well, I think a 3 meters large and 5 meters high terrarium would be a good start!
Or something like this:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/annya_okinawa/441767794/




François.

This post has been edited by Sockhom: 29th April 2009 - 09:35 AM