Genus of about 70 species and numerous hybrids of dioecious, evergreen, carnivorous, climbing, terrestrial or epiphytic perennials from Madagascar, the Seyshelles, S.E. Asia, Borneo, and Queensland. These tropical climbers produce pitchers containing a pepsin liquid that drowns insects and digests them. The pitchers also have a lid that keeps the rain out. Carnivorous climbing vine to 4m high. Passive pitfall traps produced at the tips of the leaves trap and digest small insects. Colour of the pitchers light-green, often with light or dark-red or violet spots. Nepenthes enjoy loose, open soil that remains wet to moist but allows drainage of excess water.