Discovering new carnivorous plants in Cambodia

A new carnivorous plant has just been discovered in Mount Cardamom, southwestern Cambodia. The discovery of Nepenthes holdenii is evidence of incredible biodiversity in this part of the country.

Nepenthes holdenii - (Photo: The Phnom Penh Post)

Nepenthes holdenii ' lid jars ' discovered by the International Plant and Animal Conservation (FFI) organization are ' designed ' leaves for capturing and eating insects. These jars can be up to 30 cm long.

Another unusual adaptation of this plant is that it can deal with fires and prolonged droughts. The dry season in Cambodia causes forest degradation and frequent forest fires occur. Nepenthes holdenii creates a large underground root, which grows a new vines after the fire has ended.

British photographer Jeremy Holden was the first to discover new carnivorous plants, so his name was given to the tree. According to Holden: ' The Cardamom mountain is a treasure trove of new plants and animals, but it is surprising to discover a warm, unnamed plant species .' He discovered and photographed this tree in 2006, but it was not until August this year that it was contacted and confirmed by the French botanist F. Mey.

Nepenthes holdenii is the latest in a series of discoveries in the Cardamom mountains in Koh Kong province, including a species of green-blooded frogs and some reptiles. Meanwhile, according to the Phnom Penh Post newspaper , Nepenthes holdenii is the second carnivorous pitcher plant discovered in Cambodia recently. Last year, a 7m-tall carnivorous pitcher was discovered in Bokor Mountain in Kampot Province.