Scientists have discovered a new carnivorous plant that traps prey underground in Indonesia.
This new species is part of the Nepenthaceae family, a group of carnivorous plants that create cleverly camouflaged traps to catch their prey.
The new plant species was discovered in North Kalimantan, Borneo Island, Indonesia. Scientist Ľuboš Majesk from Palacky University in Olomouc and his research team made the discovery during an extensive expedition to explore the Borneo region.
The team ventured to observe around a remote mountain that still holds many mysteries. Ľuboš Majesk stated, “We have documented a new species of the Nepenthaceae family that has never been known before. After careful searching, we found several small prey trapped inside. In fact, this species can grow up to 11 cm and is located underground. They form directly in cavities within the soil and trap animals living underground.”
The plant resembles a red pitcher, with an average size, while the surrounding leaves are smaller and lack the usual green color, appearing white instead.
This species primarily feeds on ants, mosquito larvae, roundworms, and small caterpillars. According to experts, this plant has undergone an evolutionary process to trap prey underground.
The new plant was discovered at the summit of a dry rocky mountain, approximately 1,100 to 1,300 meters above ground. The underground cavities provide a more stable environmental condition, better humidity, and more prey during periods of drought on the surface.
The research team concluded that this discovery is crucial for nature conservation in Borneo, Indonesia, emphasizing its importance as a global biodiversity hotspot.
“We hope that the discovery of this unique carnivorous plant will contribute to the protection of Borneo’s tropical forests, preventing or slowing down the conversion of primary forests,” a representative of the research team stated.
