Story behind the art of Mieko Ishikawa

Curious Allies: Mutualism in Fungi, Parasites, and Carnivores

The Fifth New York Botanical Garden Triennial

Nepenthes

Nepenthes lowii

Many living creatures on earth live in symbiotic relationships. When I was researching and drawing plants in Borneo, I often learned about plants that have symbiotic relationships with other creatures. I have visited Borneo 13 times, and I have researched and painted Rafflesia, Nepenthes, and other plants full of energy and wonder.

Nepenthes lowii has a unique symbiotic relationship with animals and birds. It is endemic to Borneo where it grows on the island's higher mountains in thick moss forests. In its native habitat in the mountains, its elegant pitcher shape has led to its population being drastically reduced by thoughtless climbers. The conservation status of N. lowii is listed as Vulnerable on the 2006 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, based on an assessment carried out in 2000.

N. lowii was discovered in March 1851 by British colonial administrator and naturalist Hugh Low during his first ascent of Mount Kinabalu, which is the highest mountain in Borneo and Malaysia, 4,095m high. In 1859, Joseph Dalton Hooker formally described N. lowii. In subsequent years, it was featured in several publications by eminent botanists.

N. lowii is known to catch very few prey compared to other Nepenthes. This species may have adapted to move away from its carnivorous nature to instead obtain nourishment from the droppings of tree shrews (which are small mammals) and nectar-eating birds. Further research on this topic is ongoing. This plant produces large amounts of nectar on the underside of its pitcher lid. The edge of the pitcher is an ideal place for shrews and birds to perch while feeding on the nectar. The wide pitcher opening collects animal waste that feeds the plants.

The upper pitchers of N. lowii, that arise from climbing stems, are very distinctive, being globular in the lower part, markedly constricted in the middle, and funnel-shaped at the top, with a large, flared mouth. The vaulted lid is curved away from the mouth and is oblong-ovate in shape. Numerous bristles are present on the lower surface of the lid. The pitcher is green on the outside and dark purplish-red on the inside. Once you see this unique form of Nepenthes, you will never forget it.

In 2018, I climbed Mt. Trusmadi (2,642m high) in Sabah, Malaysia, to observe this N. lowii in its natural habitat. For support, my husband, a guide, two drivers/porters, and a cook accompanied me. We departed from a lodge in the pre-dawn darkness and climbed the mountain with many ups and downs. At Mt. Trusmadi, I was able to see many rare species, and N. lowii was one of them. I hope that N. lowii can continue to grow wild on this mountain forever.

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