SERDANG: Scientists from the Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (Mardi) have discovered a new variety of the nepenthes rafflesiana, a type of pitcher plant, in the Rompin State Park, in Pahang. and Setiu Wetlands, in Terengganu, about two months ago.
Mardi director-general Datuk Dr Mohamad Zabawi Abdul Ghani said the latest variety of the pitcher plant, which had an ear-like shape pitcher with yellowish green to reddish-green in colour, was known as 'zabawiana'.
The plant has not been registered or published in any documentation, journal or report that has been verified by Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia botanist Professor Emeritus Datuk Dr Abdul Latiff Mohamad, Zabawi told a press conference after the World Biodiversity Day celebration by Mardi here today.
He said the new variety thrived in lowland areas, hardy and easily planted using stem cuttings, and had the potential to be commercialised as an ornamental plant.
"Mardi will conduct further research on the enzymes found at the bottom of the pitcher...the potential use of the pitcher enzymes for medical and agricultural purposes," he added.
He said there were currently 14 species of pitcher plants in Malaysia.
These pitcher plants, scientifically referred to as nepenthes, are among carnivorous plants in Malaysia, he said, adding that they were a unique national treasure that needed to be preserved.
In his speech at the event, Zabawi announced that Mardi won three gold medals and one silver medal at the 2023 Malaysia Technology Expo (MTE) Competition last March.
Mardi also won the Special Award from the Chinese Innovation and Invention Society, Taiwan, through the innovation of "Ayam Saga" and the formulation of chicken feed using local ingredients.
The institute also won seven gold and three silver medals in the International Invention, Innovation and Technology Exhibition (ITEX) 2023 competition held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre last month. – BERNAMA