Labuan: Seven types of pitcher plants, including the world’s largest, are being showcased at the Borneo Flora Festival (BFF) in Labuan. These plants were specially brought in from Kinabalu Park for the exhibition.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Sabah Parks (TTS) Botanist Sukaibin Sumail revealed that the largest pitcher plant, known as ‘Nepenthes rajah’, is prominently displayed in an air-conditioned tent at the Permata Hutan Borneo. Locally referred to as Kukuanga, this plant can hold approximately 3.5 liters of water. The BFF, hosting 31 exhibitors from Sabah, Sarawak, Brunei, and Kalimantan, is being held for the first time at the Labuan International Marine Sports Complex and is set to conclude tomorrow.
The event also features other pitcher plants including Nepenthes villosa, Nepenthes edwardsiana, Nepenthes stenophylla, Nepenthes burbidgeae, Nepenthes lowii, and Nepenthes reinwardtiana. Sukaibin expressed his pleasure in sharing information about these rare species with visitors who have shown keen interest in learning about the unique plants.
A Bernama survey highlighted the Borneo Tropical Flowers section within the same tent, featuring a tree adorned with fresh blooms and illuminated by LED lights, creating an enchanting atmosphere. The base of the tree is surrounded by an array of fresh flowers like orchids, sunflowers, and lilies, enhanced with LED lighting for visual appeal.
To ensure the preservation of the fresh flowers, the tent allows only 25 visitors at a time. Guests are greeted by the natural fragrance of the ‘sundal malam’ flower upon entry. Outside the tent, a three-meter-high replica of Tombiruo, crafted from driftwood, stands as a symbol to respect and maintain harmony with nature. The sculpture is the result of collaboration among local residents, the Faculty of Arts and Creative Multimedia at the Sabah Foundation College University, and Borneo Heritage enthusiasts.
The Tombiruo replica and a mural container installation will remain on display, serving as both a cultural attraction and a tourist draw to Labuan.