SANDAKAN: Borneo’s extraordinary pitcher plants take center stage in a groundbreaking new publication, officially unveiled on August 24 at Sepilok’s Rainforest Discovery Centre. Presiding over the event on behalf of Chief Conservator Datuk Zulkifli Suara was Dr. Arthur YC Chung, the Sabah Forestry Department’s Deputy Chief Conservator for Research and Development.
Titled ‘Nepenthes of Borneo’, the 320-page hardcover volume is the culmination of over two decades of intensive research by a trio of specialists: Dr. Chris Thorogood (University of Oxford), Alviana Damit (Sabah Forestry Department), and Dr. Alastair Robinson (Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria). Published by Natural History Publications (Borneo)—managed by Datuk Chan Chew Lun and Chan Hin Ching—the book represents a collaborative synthesis of expertise from across the globe.
Richly illustrated with stunning photography, the book documents all 43 Nepenthes species recorded from Borneo, alongside numerous natural hybrids. Renowned for their distinctive pitcher-shaped traps and extraordinary morphological diversity, these plants rank among the world’s most fascinating flora. This account offers both an authoritative scientific reference and a visually captivating overview, making the complex world of pitcher plants accessible to experts and enthusiasts alike.
For the authors, the project marks the culmination of years of exploration across Borneo’s diverse landscapes, from lowland swamps to misty mountain peaks.
“This book is a dream come true,” said Dr. Chris Thorogood. “Borneo’s Nepenthes are among the world’s most beautiful plants, and our aim was to showcase that beauty. Co-authoring with Alviana and Alastair, and publishing with Natural History Publications—whose books inspired me as a child—is an incredible honour.”
Echoing this sentiment, Dr. Alastair Robinson reflected on his deep, lifelong connection to the island: “Borneo has been a major part of my botanical life for over thirty years. Capturing the diversity—from Sabah’s spectacular species to the lesser-known taxa scattered across Borneo’s varied habitats—with Alviana and Chris have been a joy and a privilege.”
Co-author Alviana Damit described the publication as a deeply meaningful milestone in her career: “It is a great honour to collaborate with two experts I have long admired. This journey has taught me immensely, and I am grateful to help showcase the extraordinary beauty of Borneo’s iconic pitcher plants to the world.”
Publisher Chan Hin Ching hailed the work as a significant contribution to botanical literature: “Beautifully produced in hardcover with outstanding photographs, this is arguably one of the finest books on tropical pitcher plants in recent years. By combining authoritative science with exceptional imagery, it is essential for botanists, horticulturists, conservationists, and anyone who appreciates Borneo’s unique biodiversity.”
The hardcover edition is now available for purchase through the Natural History Publications (Borneo) website and at their Kota Kinabalu bookstore. – James Leong
Dr Arhur Chung (centre), receives the newly-launched book from Datuk Chan as others look on.
