Nepenthes Rafflesiana is a very widespread lowland species. It is common in Borneo and parts of the Riau Archipelago, but has a restricted distribution in both Peninsular Malaysia and Sumatra. It is only widespread in the southeastern region of the Malay Peninsula, particularly in the state of Johor, where it is relatively abundant. N. Rafflesiana has only been recorded from the west coast of Sumatra, between Indrapura and Barus. Nepenthes Rafflesiana is an unusually variable plant. While only few forms are formally described, the pitcher shape and color can vary so widely that the extremes look like completely different species. Even the lower and upper pitchers differ very much. Constant in all forms are the shape of the lid and of the peristome which ends in a long neck at the back and is largest just below the lid. In upper pitchers it is characteristically raised in the front part. NepenthesRafflesiana is a scrambling dioecious vine. The stem may climb to a height of 15 m and is up to 10 mm thick. The internodes are up to 20 cm long and the tendrils may be over 110 cm long. The pitcher coloration varies greatly from dark purple to almost completely white. The typical form of N.Rafflesiana is light green throughout with heavy purple blotches on the lower pitchers and cream-colored aerial pitchers. The lower pitchers of N. Rafflesiana are bulbous and possess well-developed fringed wings. These terrestrial traps rarely exceed 20 cm in height, although the giant form of N.Rafflesiana is known to produce pitchers up to 35 cm long and 15 cm wide. The upper pitchers are funnel-shaped and often bear a distinctive raised section at the front of the peristome. Both types of pitchers have a characteristically elongated peristome neck that may be 3 cm or more in length. The inflorescence is a raceme and grows between 16 and 70 cm tall. The red or purple flowers usually occur singly, or sometimes in pairs, on each flower-stalk. The young plants are wholly covered with long, caduceus, brown or white hairs. Mature plants often have a sparse indumentums of short, brown hairs, though they may be completely glabrous. Though the different variations can mix, they usually stay apart even if they grow together. Exceptions can result in very interesting plants. Ants often visit the pitchers but the plant seems not to be specialized in prey. The pitcher fluid is of a conspicuously viscous consistence. Whoever has seen this plant in a living state must undoubtedly be constrained to consider it as one of the most astonishing productions of the whole vegetable kingdom. The resemblance that a portion of it bears to our more familiar domestic utensils leaves a lasting impression on the minds of spectators that is not easily eradicated; it is the largest and most magnificent of the genus, far surpassing any hitherto known in Europe. Hardiness zones : 11(4c/40f) NepenthesRafflesiana is a common plant in lowland areas of northwestern Borneo, especially in Brunei. It can be found as a pioneer in many degraded areas with wet, sandy soils and peat swamp forests. It grows at elevations ranging from sea level to 1,200 m. It is commonly recommended as a "first plant" to new Nepenthes growers. The plant should be grown in shaded conditions, diffuse sunlight, or in a large grow chamber under artificial lights.