Tropical pitcher plants of the genus Nepenthes are among the most ornate and bizarre plants in the world - their carnivorous nature and peculiar shape have attracted the attention of botanists and horticulturalists since the Victorian Age.  The genus Nepenthes is widespread in the Malesian Region, with outlying species occurring west to Madagascar and north to India (see map below).  To date nearly 90 species are recognized, displaying a great diversity of forms. 

Nepenthes are found in a diversity of habitats, from coastal scrub, limestone cliffs, rainforest and moss-laden cloud forests. Because of their ability to digest insects, Nepenthes thrive in nutrient-poor soils where they face little competition from other plants. 

Species from warm low-elevation forests are generally termed "lowlanders" whereas those occurring in cool mountain forests above 1000 meters are often termed "highlanders".  In some localities as many as 8 species have been recorded growing together.