How to tell Purps apart?

[DerbyCityNeps]

i got a S. purpurea from lowes today and i dont know what ssp/var it is? what differences can you tell form them? ill get a picture later.
Alex

 

[nepenthes gracilis]

it will definetly be subsp. venosa, as thats the only purp mass TC'ed. To tell them apart, subsp. venosa will have a slight pubescens to the pitchers and have a more ruffled hood. subsp. purpurea will be non-pubscent and have darker venation to it, may also have a longer pitcher shape to it.

 

[Clint]

Why is it the only mass produced purp?

 

[nepenthes gracilis]

Dunno, good question. My guess is because its easier to cultivate than subsp. purpurea, reason being is subsp. purpurea cannot tolerate really hot weather, whereas subsp. venosa can.

 

[DerbyCityNeps]

AWESOME!! that is the one i was hoping for! how hardy is it compared to ssp. purpura?

 

[nepenthes gracilis]

Its hardy if you're in a milder climate.

 

[jimscott]

From what I can see, and I have the venosa and purpurea side by side, is that venosa is relatively as shorter, more squat plant. Also seems more colorful. And that fits a general natural rule of thumb. The warmer the climate, the smaller and more colorful the life is. The colder the climate, the larger and more dull the color.

 

[Alexis]

var. burkii / rosea is also widely tissue cultured.