SANDAKAN: The remarkable diversity and beauty of Borneo’s iconic tropical pitcher plants, Nepenthes, have been brought together in a new 320-page hardcover publication with the title “Nepenthes of Borneo” launched at the Rainforest Halla at Rainforest Discovery Centre (RDC), Sepilok, here, Monday.
The ceremony officiated by Deputy Chief Conservator of Forests (Research and Development), Dr. Arthur YC Chung representing Chief Conservator of Forests of the Sabah Forestry Department, Datuk Zulkifli Suara.
The books was compiled more than two decades of research, fieldwork and collaboration by three Nepenthes specialists, Associate Professor of Biology at the University of Oxford, United Kingdom, Dr. Chris Thorogood, Sabah Forestry Department Research Officer, Alviana Damit and botanist at the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria, Australia, Dr. Alastair Robinson.
The book documents all 43 species of Nepenthes recorded in Borneo, including numerous natural hybrids, with 25 species found in Sabah.
The richly illustrated publication combines scientific knowledge, field observations and exceptional photography, providing readers with an authoritative account of the extraordinary diversity of the pitcher plants found across Borneo’s varied habitats.
In his speech read by Arthur, Zulkifli said, said Nepenthes or periuk kera are commonly known in Malay, holds a special place among the fascinating plants of Borneo.
He hope, the publication reflected two decades of dedication by the authors and their efforts to document the unique diversity of the species also can inspire all especially among young people.
He also thanked the two international researchers for their contribution and expressed appreciation to all parties, including supporters and who helped make the book launch possible.
Meanwhile, speaking through a video message during the launch, Chris said Borneo’s Nepenthes are among the world’s most beautiful plants and the authors’ aim was to showcase their beauty while inspiring greater appreciation of the species.
He also recalled his teenage experience visiting Mount Kinabalu, which helped strengthen his interest in Sabah and subsequently contributed to his research into Nepenthes and plant diversity across Southeast Asia.
“Every species has a story,” he said, highlighting the importance of exploration, research and sharing knowledge to inspire future generations.
While in his video message, Alastair described the book as a reflection of years of research, journeys, experiences and friendship developed through their work on Borneo’s pitcher plants.
For Alviana who present at the event said, the publication represents a significant milestone in her more than 20-year botanical journey.
She said, among other, the book that inspire her non other than “The Pitcher Plants of Borneo” (2008) by Anthea Phlllips, Anthony Lamb and Chien Lee. She said her work on Nepenthes began around 2007 and continued through years of research and documentation, eventually contributing to the publication covering all 43 species recorded from Borneo.
“From studying the book, to becoming part of the next chapter and with three people, three perspective and come into one book,” she explained on how exactly the book began.
Alviana said she had long admired Thorogood and Robinson and regarded the opportunity to collaborate with them as a great honour.
She and Thorogood initially worked together through emails, online meetings and discussions before their research and field experiences were brought together in the book.
“This is not only a book, but also a journey,” she said, expressing hope that it would inspire more people, especially younger generations, to appreciate the beauty and importance of Borneo’s biodiversity.
The authors also hope the publication will serve not only as a scientific reference but also as a visual celebration of Sabah and Borneo’s unique flora, encouraging greater interest in conservation and ensuring the island’s extraordinary biodiversity continues to inspire future generations.
The book is published by Natural History Publications (Borneo) and managed by father-and-son team Datuk Chan Chew Lun and Chan Hin Ching.
In his speech during the same event, publisher, Chan Hin Ching said the book represented a significant contribution to literature on tropical pitcher plants.
He said the combination of authoritative scientific information and high-quality photography made the publication valuable not only to botanists and conservationists but also to anyone interested in Borneo’s natural heritage.
Nepenthes of Borneo is currently available in hardcover at RM150 per copy through Natural History Publications (Borneo)’s bookstore in Kota Kinabalu and its website.