About Nepenthes smilesii Hemsl.
Species Identity and Growth Form
Nepenthes smilesii Hemsl. is a climbing pitcher plant that can grow up to 5 meters tall.
Leaf Characteristics
Its leaves are sessile, have a leathery (coriaceous) texture, and are very narrowly linear in shape. These leaves can reach up to 40 centimeters in length, but grow no wider than 4 centimeters.
Geographical Distribution
This species has a widespread distribution across Indochina, with confirmed records from Cambodia, northeastern Thailand, southern Laos, and western Vietnam.
Altitudinal Range
It grows across a broad range of altitudes, from 16 meters to 1500 meters above sea level, though it most commonly occurs around 800 meters elevation.
Cold Tolerance Trait
Among Indochinese Nepenthes, N. smilesii is distinguished by its ability to tolerate extremely low temperatures.
Natural Hybrids
Natural hybrid specimens between N. smilesii and N. mirabilis have been recorded in Cambodia.
