Nepenthes Lowii

Here's an article about Nepenthes Lowii, a plant that recycles droppings to create a sweet substance much enjoyed by mountain tree shrews:

www.dailymail.co.uk...

This is a picture of a mountain tree shrew using the plant and looking suitably indignant at having been caught on the loo:
[atsimg]http://files.abovetopsecret.com/images/member/f957fc0b217b.jpg[/atsimg]

Article quoted in full:

It is the ultimate in recycling. Meet Nepenthes Lowii, nature’s own lavatory.
This is the first time the plant has been captured on camera being used by the mountain tree shrew – animals that rely on the plant both for nourishment and as its very own lavatory.
The plant, which is found in Borneo, is the only one in the world that collects the droppings of animals and uses them to produce a sugary substance, which the shrew then eats.

t is definitely a win-win situation for all parties involved.
The plant collects the droppings from the shrew as well as from a variety of birds.
The squirrel-like creature lives in the mountains of northern Borneo, where it is attracted to the moist, mossy conditions which the Nepenthes Lowii thrives under.
The sap from the plant has a ‘slightly disagreeable odour’ but it is the sweet taste that attracts the shrew. While it’s a great example of recycling, it’s unlikely to go down well with humans.
The position of the substance on the permanently-opened lid of the plant makes it the perfect position for the shrew to perch.
The plant starts its life as a meat-eating vine but leaves this carnivorous existence behind as it matures and develops a penchant for animal droppings.
Its self-sufficiency means it thrives in a habitat known to be poor in nutrients, making it one of nature’s best recycling machines while providing everything the mountain shrew needs.
It’s a lesson that could be learned by a nation that’s certainly lagging far behind in the recycling stakes.

I found this picture of the plant sans creature and it looks exactly like a lavatory. Interesting since it is found in Borneo - I wonder if it was known to our ancestors, perhaps brought back by some explorer and giving the inspiration to early loo designers??



[edit on 28-2-2010 by berenike]

This is really cool! I have never heard of this plant before. That is some real ingenuity right there. Totally awesome.