SafePlants

Nepenthes mirabilis: The Common Swamp Pitcher-Plant

Nepenthes mirabilis, commonly known as the Common Swamp Pitcher-Plant, is a widespread carnivorous plant species known for its unique pitcher-shaped traps.

Considerations for Pets

• As a carnivorous plant, it uses specialized "pitchers" to trap insects. Consider the potential interaction of small animals (such as reptiles) with these trapping mechanisms.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Nepenthes mirabilis (L.) Druce
• Common Name: Common Swamp Pitcher-Plant
• Family: Nepenthaceae
• Synonyms:
  • Phyllamphora mirabilis L.
  • Nepenthes albolineata F.M. Bailey
  • Nepenthes alicae F.M. Bailey
  • Nepenthes armbrustae F.M. Bailey
  • Nepenthes beccariana Macfarl.
• The previous taxonomic concept for N. mirabilis included N. rowanae and N. tenax. N. rowanae was reinstated as a separate species in 2005.

Distribution and Habitat

• Nepenthes mirabilis has the widest distribution of any Nepenthes species.
• It can be found in locations ranging from Northeast to South Thailand.
• Its range covers the Cape York region of Australia.
• It thrives in nutrient-poor soils that remain consistently moist and in hot, humid swamps.
• It also grows in Macau, China.
• It can also be found in Brunei, North Borneo.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• It is an erect or climbing herb, typically growing to a height of 0.5-2 meters.
• Basal leaves are densely rosulate and subsessile.
• Leaf blades are lanceolate, approximately 10 cm long, with margins that are usually amplexicaul (clasping the stem).

Traditional Uses

• In folk medicine, Nepenthes mirabilis is used in the treatment of jaundice, hepatitis, gastric ulcers, and ureteral problems.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• The methanolic extract of Nepenthes mirabilis shows significant in vitro antioxidant activity.

Further Information

• Germplasm Resources Information Network (GRIN) database.
• Tropicos database.