September 24, 2009 at 7:59 am
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A recent expedition to Gunung Tahan, the highest mountain in Peninsular Malaysia, has further spurred my fascination with Nepenthes, a group of carnivorous plants that occur throughout South-east Asia.
Nepenthes gracillima is perhaps the rarest species of Peninsular Malaysia, as it is only known from the summits and higher slopes of Taman Negara. I am lucky to have seen it. The small pitchers are of a colourful bright yellow or a combination of red and yellow. The colour makes them an attractive sight in the montane forest canopy as they are strewn all over along the path to the summit of Gunung Tahan.Nepenthus often occur in higher montane forest with full sun, moist and nutrient-deficient soil to encourage formation of pitchers for passive capturing of insects. If you are thinking of growing pitcher plants, do stick to the above conditions to emulate their natural habitat.
Upper pitcher of Nepenthus gracillima
Insects are attracted by the nectar produced by nectar glands located at the slippery inner walls of the pitcher plants. The unknowing insect will most probably fall into the fluid below and will eventually be drowned and digested. Even if they manage to climb up, the over hanging peristomes that surround the pitcher’s mouth will ensure much difficulty in climbing out.
Pitcher plants are often found in high montane forest with stunted vegetation
Magnificent view above 2000 meters along the ridge of the summit
There are a few theories to which how insects are being digested. One is that the pitchers produce acid and digestive enzymes to break down the insect. Another is that the pitchers produce lysozymes to breakdown cell membranes that contain enzymes to allow the insects own enzymes to digest itself. It seems like the second method is a ‘smarter’ way, as enzymes are biologically expensive proteins that require a lot of energy to produce. Or could it be that the insects are left alone to simply decompose.
Whichever the method, the Nepenthus is without a doubt an ingenious invention engineered by nature.
References
Charles Clark 2002. A Guide to the Pitcher Plants of Peninsular Malaysia. Natural History Publications (Borneo)
Photos courtesy of Cheng Hui Yun
Written by: Eleanor Soh
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September 17, 2009 at 7:51 am
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Any warm colours one could possibly imagine, one would be able to find it on the flowers of Ipomoea lobata (syn. Mina lobata), commonly known as the Firecracker Vine or Spanish Flag. It is impossible not to feel the warmth just by looking at this highly ornamental plant from the Morning Glory family (Convolvulaceae). With no typical funnel-shaped corolla, one might not be able to associate this with the Morning Glory family right away but indeed it is, and that is the thrill in the discovery.
Often mistaken as an annual, this fast-growing, sun-loving vine can however be cultivated as a tender perennial in the tropics. Since it is very easily propagated by seeds, one can choose to grow new batch of plants once every few months to keep up the vigor. The young plant starts branching vigorously within 2 to 3 weeks after germination, so pinching is not required to obtain a well spread specimen. By the 5th week, the plant would have covered the support with its numerous trilobed leaves and reddish vines. But do not be alarmed if the plant is not ready to give you flowers just yet. Be patient, and just when you are bored of seeing those leaves/vines…many tiny little spikes (inflorescences) start emerging. And before you know it, the plant is on fire!
On close observation, along with some imagination, each individual inflorescence resembles a skewer. Strange that it has never been commonly known as the Skewer Plant or Skewer-on-the-Grill Plant? Those would have been interesting names to call them.
So, if you want to feel the (oil-free, nectar-rich) sizzle, do pop by the patio of the Lifestyle Corner at HortPark. The plant will be on display there. Catch it while it is sizzling HOT!
Keneric Ng
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September 10, 2009 at 8:41 am
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Sarracenias are North American carnivorous plants adapted to summer heat. It is one of the neglected plant in my garden as it thrives on poor and moist medium like sphagnum moss. It survives purely on sunshine and a tray of water to keep the medium constantly wet. Like most carnivorous plants, it has voracious appetite for insects and ants. Growing it outdoors does require more care such as removing pests like thrips, scales and aphids.
It started to produce many non-carnivorous leaves during the drier part of the year. Much to my surprise one day, my Sarracenia produces its first bloom. The bud came like a knob at the end of the crook of shepherd’s rod. It looked initially that the bloom was wilting but as the days goes by the flower was held up to the sun and it stands out with all the petals spread wide to receive the sun’s rays.
An obscure little bud forming at the end of a stalk that looks like a shepherd’s crook.
Bud opening after a few days.
Bloom takes about a week to gradually unfurl with crimson petals.
Fully opened Sarracenia bloom
Isn’t it lovely?
Ng Cheow Kheng
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September 7, 2009 at 7:36 am
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This Amaranthus is a strange plant. I tried to grow it in pots and in my garden, nothing showed. Then when NParks came to till the soil outside my house during the CIB for orchids, I just threw some seeds into the soil along with some compost next to my ground peanuts. All of a sudden I saw some buds coming out with nice colours and lo and behold it is the Tri-colour.
Picture is taken of the plant transplanted into a pot. Growing very well but not sure how high it will grow of how “wide” the leaves will go. Will take pictures to keep you guys updated.
Kelvin
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September 3, 2009 at 7:48 am
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When you next drop by HortPark, do check out the flowering Brugmansia versicolor cultivar (Angel’s Trumpet) at the patio of Lifestyle Corner. Started out as a tiny cutting, it was cared for and grown in Pasir Panjang Nursery since 11 February 2009. It is exactly 200 days later that it decided to do what it does best…’trumpetize’!
Easily propagated by stem-cuttings, Brugmansia does best in a sheltered, part-shade area and it is a famous heavy feeder. Be generous with fertilizer application, combined with consistent watering and one shall be rewarded with loads of trumpets. There are several cultivars with different coloured flowers e.g. pink, that gradually deepened over time.
There are 20 blooms now and more are coming up! For this cultivar, new trumpets are white, gradually deepening into a sweet mellow peach. It is however a pity that each flower only lasts about 2 days locally. By the end of the second day, the trumpet starts to wilt in the heat of the tropics.
Other than the current display at Lifestyle Corner, different cultivars of the plant are also planted at various locations of HortPark i.e. Water Garden, Home Garden, Floral Walk, Butterfly Garden and Golden Garden. Of which, do keep an eye on those growing at Water Garden…as they are likely to be the next to bloom. To see a yellow flower variegated leaf cultivar, do check out the Gardens-By-The-Bay Prototype Glass House.
So, you do know the best venue to be at if you want to get trumpetized! Enjoy and help us blow the trumpet if you like them!
Keneric Ng
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