Nepenthes burkei Nepenthes burkei is a lowland tropical pitcher plant native to the Philippines. The nectar-producing ‘pitchers’ on this rare carnivorous vine are actually specialized leaves that lure, trap, and digest insects. In this way, the plant is able to obtain the nutrients lacking in the infertile soil in which it grows. Like all tropical pitcher plants, Nepenthes burkei is protected by The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Flora and Fauna, an international agreement between governments whose goal is to ensure that trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival. |