What Is a Tropical Pitcher Plant?
A tropical pitcher plant is a carnivorous plant that is native to Southeast Asia and Australia. Also known as a monkey cup, more than 90 species of tropical pitcher plants have been identified to date. Most species of this plant form vines that cling to trees or other plants for support. The monkey cup is part of the Nepenthaceae family and the Nepenthes genus. The tropical pitcher plant grows in areas with nutrient-poor soil or on other plants. It is considered an epiphyte instead of a parasite when it grows on another plant because it does not take nutrients from its host. The tropical pitcher plant has adapted to the lack of nutrients in its environment by becoming carnivorous to supplement its diet.
