Nepenthes rajah

Nepenthes rajah is a carnivorous plant species belonging to the genus Nepenthes, which comprises about 140 species of tropical pitcher plants native to Madagascar, Southeast Asia, and Australia. These plants are characterized by modified, pitcher-shaped leaves that function as passive pitfall traps for insects and other small prey.12

N. rajah, found in Borneo, has a unique adaptation where it attracts mountain tree shrews (Tupaia montana) with copious amounts of nectar secreted from the pitcher lid. While the tree shrews feed, the broad, sturdy pitcher serves as a toilet, collecting nutrient-rich manure. This allows N. rajah to supplement its nutrition with feces, particularly in areas with fewer insects. The pitchers of N. rajah are known for their sturdy, non-slippery construction, facilitating this unusual method of nutrient acquisition.13