What plant eats termites?

By Chelsie Vandaveer

January 9, 2002

The kerangas of Borneo, Sumatra, and Malaya are heath forests growing on white sand with a thin organic layer. The trees of the keranga are noted for their thick bark and leathery leaves, an adaptation to the harsh conditions. Keranga is Iban (a native people) for 'forest where rice cannot grow', a reference to the nutrient-deficient soils.

The monkey's rice pot (Nepenthes albomarginata Lobb ex Lindley) is one of a number of pitcher plants growing in the kerangas. Most Nepenthes climb from the forest floor to get into the sunlight and attract flying insects. But N. albomarginata tends to remain on the dark forest floor.

Nepenthes attract numerous types of insects with color patterns, nectar, and/or odors. Nepenthes albomarginata is unique for its family. The ascidium (pitcher) is white immediately below the peristome (rim) hence the name albomarginata. Fine velvety hairs are found along this white border. These hairs are irresistible to a species of termite (Hospitalitermes bicolor).

Termites are social insects; when one termite finds a treat, the entire colony is invited to the feast. The termites crowd the slick peristome in an attempt to get their share; most will slip and fall into the fluid of the ascidium.

Nepenthes albomarginata is the only carnivorous plant known that actually grows specialized tissue to bait its prey. It is also the only Nepenthes that advertises its presence with a white 'flag', perhaps making the traps more visible in the deep shade of the forest.

Marlis Merbach at the University of Frankfort, Germany made the discovery of the relationship of Nepenthes albomarginata and the termites. To view Merbach's website with a photograph of the Nepenthes,

Click here to view the photograph.