N. mirabilis and N. thorelii are two well-known species  on Thai Nepenthes markets. But  the names used on local markets and scientific names are very confused for Nepenthes enthusiasts who try to classify these plants scientifically
   On Thai markets esp. at Chatuchak, the most famous weekend market,   you could find both local and imported Nepenthes. displayed on pathway stands,  and most local Nepenthes found were mainly N. mirabilis and N. thorelii with occasionally N. ampullaria (green) . There was also one unidentified species that was called "Viking" with sometimes  classified by some retailers as N. rafflesiana.

Thorelii - Mirabilis and unidentified spp. in Thailand

     It would be so kind if you could correct scientific names of these Nep. and mail to  neo1@neofamthailand.com   Thank you for your contribution.

There are at least three type of N.thorelii in Thailand This first one is called   N.thorelii  "Tiger"

The second is N.thorelii "Cambodia"   with paler and more belly pitchers

Both types have long narrow leaves          These are Tiger leaves These are Cambodia  leaves

Look inside theTiger pitcher Cambodia pitcher

theTiger pitcher is a little bit slimmer and smaller with shorter tendril while Cambodia  pitcher is a little bit belly so it tends to lie horizontally . Tendril is also  longer .

One major identification point This pic. shows one important point  to differentiate Tiger from Cambodia

Tiger >>>> less pitchers Cambodia usually produces more pitchers and last longer so worthy to collect

There is also Tiger subtype 'Brilliant Red"  which is rare.   Even flowers are red , to compare with the common thorelii

Picture of the third type thorelii "Laos  Tiger" These are upper Red Tiger :Thai subvar. from Phang-Nga   Notice Upper  Red Tiger(Thai)   easily produces red pigments. Upper common thorellii N. thorellii (Red Tiger) babies produce  red pigments very soon after seedling , promising of brilliant red pitchers in the future To compare with common thorellii.

New Idea : Nectar glands compare         Marcello Catalano (http://www.nepenthesofthailand.com/) gave me an idea to try identify Nepenthes spp. by their nectar glands morphology and arrangement or distribution underlid. I don't know if this method will work , but I decide to try . I use stereomicroscope to explore the nectar glands of each spp.May be  the mysterious of Viking will become a legend in months.         Let me start with pitcher plants that Thai recognized for a long time as Nepenthes thorelii.   Plants Lids Nectar glands Arrangement  Nectar glands shape 1   N.thorelii (Tiger red peristome)        2   N.thorelii (Tiger -Stripe peristome)        3   N. Giant Tiger -White peristome)       4   N.thorelii (Cambodia)       3   N.thorelii (Red Cambodia)       4   N.thorelii (Squat Cambodia)       5   N.thorelii (Laos)       6   N.thorelii (Giant Tiger)       7   N.thorelii (Giant Tiger)       8   N.thorelii (Giant Tiger)       9   N.thorelii (Giant Tiger)

If  you feel interested in Thai Nepenthes and would like to add some to your collection, we'd be happy to serve you. click here for