at all). In addition, N. hamiguitanensis inhabits a different ecological niche to either of these species; it typically grows in partial shade under the cover of mountain forest or at forest margins, whereas N. micramphora and N. peltata are commonly found in more exposed sites. Wild populations of N. hamiguitanensis appear to be stabilised as well as relatively homogeneous, with no intergrades observed. The species is thought to be self-sustaining and to reproduce independently of its putative parent species, as numerous seedlings have been found at the type locality. Taking these factors into account, the describing authors wrote: "we feel that a recent hybridisation event is unlikely and that Nepenthes hamiguitanensis is not in the earlier stages of specification". However, in his Carnivorous Plant Database, taxonomist Jan Schlauer treats N. hamiguitanensis as N. micramphora × N. peltata. Examples of other Nepenthes species with a putative hybrid origin include N. hurrelliana, N. murudensis, and N. petiolata. Related species The describing authors compared N. hamiguitanensis to N. micramphora, N. mindanaoensis, and N. peltata, which they described as "closely related species". Nepenthes micramphora is smaller in all respects and is mostly glabrous (apart from the inflorescence). Nepenthes mindanaoensis differs clearly in the shape of its upper pitchers, which are far more elongated. In addition, the species has an acute (or narrowly obtuse) laminar apex as compared to the obtuse apex of N. hamiguitanensis. Nepenthes peltata can be distinguished on the basis of its distinct pitchers and peltate tendril insertion. Also, unlike N. peltata, N. hamiguitanensis readily produces upper pitchers and a climbing stem. In 2013, Martin Cheek and Matthew Jebb placed N. hamiguitanensis in the informal "N. alata group", which also includes N. alata, N. ceciliae, N. copelandii, N. extincta, N. graciliflora, N. kitanglad, N. kurata, N. leyte, N. mindanaoensis, N. negros, N. ramos, N. saranganiensis, and N. ultra. These species are united by a number of morphological characters, including winged petioles, lids with basal ridges on the lower surface (often elaborated into appendages), and upper pitchers that are usually broadest near the base. Cheek and Jebb suggested N. kitanglad and N. saranganiensis as possible close relatives of N. hamiguitanensis, these being the only other species of the N. alata group with angled stems (winged in the case of N. saranganiensis). Natural hybrids Nepenthes hamiguitanensis has no confirmed natural hybrids, although certain plants from Mount Hamiguitan may represent crosses involving it and N.