Heliamphora exappendiculata (Chimanta Tepui)

A fantastic, wide-spread species from the Chimanta Massif and Aprada and Araopan Tepui. The name of the species refers to its lack of a nectar spoon, instead the leaf has a recessed bubble-like structure at the tip that holds the nectaries. Very cool!

Heliamphora exappendiculata is found at elevations between 1700-2100m and is most abundant in cliff side habitats where the plants grow directly attached to permanently moist surfaces at seepage sites and by streams and waterfalls. In these situations the pitchers tend to grow upturned on a short scrambling rhizome with a skirt of dead foliage hanging down. It is one of the few taxa in the genus that appears to favor shaded conditions such as gullies, gorges, and canyons, though it is also found in brighter, more exposed locations often among shrubby vegetation. Therefore, color can vary dramatically between a pale green or buttery yellow often suffused with pinks and reds in partial light, to a vibrant peach color and even pure red in full sun. The wide pitcher opening serves a dual purpose of acting as a landing zone for potential insect pray, but also for collecting various organic debris which may serve as a secondary source of nutrients.

Both in nature and cultivation, H. exappendiculata can vary in size. Some clones remain fairly compact while others can reach as tall as 35cm (though usually no more than 25cm). This is a fast growing, readily offsetting species that is easy to care for and can often be grown in lower light than typical of the genus. The numerous selections available make acquiring different clones both worthwhile and fun!

A must for a well-rounded Heliamphora collection!

The form from Chimanta grows on vertical rock-faces. Pitchers are wider than in the form from Amuri.

(Nerz & Wistuba 2006)