Tropical pitcher plant

Description

Nepenthes inermis is a tropical pitcher plant endemic to Sumatra. The specific epithet inermis is Latin for "unarmed" and refers to the upper pitchers of this species, which are unique in that they completely lack a peristome. eaves are sessile and coriaceous. The lamina is lanceolate-spathulate in form. It may be up to 12 centimetres (5 in) long and 3 centimetres (1.2 in) wide. It has an acute or obtuse apex and is gradually attenuate towards the base, which clasps the stem and is not decurrent. Three longitudinal veins are present on either side of the midrib. Pinnate veins are reticulate. Tendrils can be up to 15 centimetres (6 in) long and may or may not have a curl. Rosette and lower pitchers are rarely produced. They are infundibular in the lower two-thirds to three-quarters, and ovoid above. They are distinctly constricted just below the peristome. Terrestrial pitchers grow to 8 centimetres (3 in) in height and 3 centimetres (1.2 in) in width. Fringed wings are usually absent, but may be present in the upper part. The pitcher mouth is round and horizontal, and raised slightly towards the rear. The peristome is cylindrical, up to 0.3 centimetres (0.12 in) wide, and bears indistinct teeth. The lid or operculum is ovate and lacks appendages. An unbranched spur (less than 0.4 centimetres (0.16 in) long) is inserted at the base of the lid.