Unique Nature
Nepenthes edwardsiana is arguably the species I would most like to see in Borneo. Although my all-time favorite is the Seychelles endemic Nepenthes pervillei, N. edwardsiana possesses for me the quintessential Nepenthes appeal. I find it more beautiful and impressive, if possible, than the king Nepenthes rajah and two of Nedwardsiana's two relatives: N. villosa and N. macrophylla are equally striking.
To me, it's the coolest Nepenthes out there and I apologize here for missing so much originality in my taste. I have read a lot over the years as a taxonomist and hobbyist about this species as it has always fascinated me so I was really looking forward to observing it in situ.
I also don't observe trees that are regularly cultivated. I have a few friends who grow this Bornean species but their trees are still quite young. For me, except for a very small specimen, one of the small TC plants released many years ago by the Nepenthes Nursery that I lost so quickly, I never had the chance to replant this species. So the prospect of seeing plants thriving in the wild is fascinating.
I remember very well the seedlings that I lost many years ago while exploring the natural habitat of Nepenthes edwardsiana in Gunung Tambuyukon and I was very pleased to have gathered a lot of interesting information about the plant ecology. I recall that the arrival of this species tipped the balance in favor of the great Tambuyukon as I had to choose between that mountain and Gunung Murud or Gunung Mulu, two other peaks that I would likely visit during my vacation. next vacation in Borneo - hope so.
So how was the trip? Am I disappointed in the end? Does observing this legendary species fulfill my dreams? Yes, completely. I was overwhelmed by the poise of the species. In a way, this species alone, known for producing some of the largest and most impressive vases in the entire genus, is well worth the trip. But I'll let you judge for yourself with the collection below. ;-)
