Nepenthes distillatoria
Linn.
Pitcher plant
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Summary
Source: WikipediaNepenthes distillatoria (; Neo-Latin, from Latin: destillo "to distill", -oria, adjectival ending; "something from which a liquid is distilled", i.e., pitcher) is a tropical pitcher plant endemic to Sri Lanka. It was the second Nepenthes species to be described in print and the first to be formally named under the Linnaean system of taxonomy. It is therefore the type species of the genus.
Description
The leaves are broad and oblong. The mid vein has a long tendril with a long bag on the end. This contains a sweet liquid.
This description is brief — help expand it
Edible Uses
The sweet sap contained in the pitcher-like bag at the end of the leaf is drunk.
Traditional Uses
The sweet sap from the bag on the end of the leaf is drunk.
This uses section is brief — help expand it
Medicinal Uses
This plant produces enzymes called nepenthesin I & II in its pitcher fluid and the enzymes are active at a low pH of 2.3. These digestive enzymes are valuable for medical research as they are similar to pepsin. The ultimate goal of the future research is to use these enzymes in research to help people infected by HIV from getting any symptoms of AIDS.
Distribution
A tropical plant.
Where It Grows
Asia, India, Sri Lanka,
Cultivation
A plant of the humid tropics. It grows best in areas where the temperature does not fall below 18°c in the cool season and can go as high as 38°c in the hot season. Requires ample moisture and a humid atmosphere.
Other Uses
The long trailing stems are used in making baskets and as a tying material. Known as 'one of the most useful cordage plants of Sri Lanka', the stems are widely used in building fences, walls, and sometimes in fixing the rafters of native cottages. The pliable stems are extremely easy to manipulate when making baskets. They are used for making small, durable, fancy baskets, teapot holders etc.
References (3)
- Hedrick, U.P., 1919, (Ed.), Sturtevant's edible plants of the world. p 435
- Heywood, V.H., Brummitt, R.K., Culham, A., and Seberg, O. 2007, Flowering Plant Families of the World. Royal Botanical Gardens, Kew. p 228
- Sp. pl. 2:955. 1753