The species, named Nepenthes ×taringkecil, was officially published in the international scientific journal Phytotaxa in its January 2026 issue. The plant is a natural hybrid (nothospecies) resulting from the cross between two parent species, Nepenthes bicalcarata and Nepenthes mirabilis.

The Meaning Behind the Name “Taring Kecil”

Arifin explained that the name ×taringkecil refers to the species’ unique morphological characteristic found in the peristome (pitcher rim). The species inherits the distinctive “fang-like” structures of its parent, N. bicalcarata, but in a much smaller size.

“We named it ×taringkecil because the peristome bears a pair of small teeth measuring approximately 0.5–0.8 millimeters in length. In contrast, the fangs of its parent species, N. bicalcarata, can reach up to 3 centimeters,” Arifin explained.

In addition to its small fangs, the plant exhibits a combination of morphological traits inherited from both parent species. The upper part of the pitcher body is cylindrical, resembling N. mirabilis, yet it possesses reduced fang structures. Visually, N. ×taringkecil also lacks a cavity in the tendril, a feature in N. bicalcarata that typically serves as a nesting site for ants.

Researcher Synergy and the Role of Hobbyists

^{Field documentation of N. ×taringkecil (Photo courtesy of Nazila, pitcher plant cultivator)}

Unlike conventional botanical expeditions, the research team did not collect specimens directly from the forests of Mempawah. Arifin noted that time constraints posed challenges for conducting on-site fieldwork.

However, this limitation opened opportunities for collaboration through a citizen science approach. The initial specimen was obtained from pitcher plant hobbyists and cultivators, Nazila and Rais. Early information regarding the existence of this unique plant was even detected through social media monitoring as early as 2024.

The researchers’ suspicion was further strengthened by information from local residents, who confirmed that N. bicalcarata and N. mirabilis grow side by side in the same area. The species’ natural habitat is known to consist of kerangas (heath) forests and peat swamp ecosystems in the Mempawah region.

Integrated Scientific Validation

All scientific validation processes were conducted centrally in Bogor. The three researchers divided their roles in a complementary manner. M. Rifqi Hariri (BRIN) was responsible for molecular analysis, M. Hisyam Fadhil (IPB University) handled the cultivation of live samples and the preparation of botanical illustrations, while Arifin Surya Dwipa Irsyam led the morphological description of the species.

“Research on the taxonomic status of ×taringkecil has been extremely interesting for us. We were truly eager to see the results of the molecular analysis,” Arifin said.

^{From left to right: Arifin Surya Dwipa Irsyam, M. R. Hariri (center), and M. Hisyam Fadhil (right)}

DNA analysis based on the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region subsequently confirmed the team’s initial hypothesis. The specimen was shown to be genetically closely related to N. mirabilis, while exhibiting morphological traits influenced by N. bicalcarata, thereby providing strong evidence of natural hybridization.

This research was supported by funding from the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) through the Rumah Program schemes in 2023 and 2026. The discovery of demonstrates that synergy between institutional researchers and hobbyist communities can make a tangible contribution to uncovering Indonesia’s previously undocumented biodiversity.