Darlingtonia californica (California Pitcher Plant)

Botanical name: Darlingtonia californica

Common names: California Pitcher Plant, Cobra Lily, Cobra Plant

Family: Sarraceniaceae

Origin: California

In addition to the use of lubricating secretions and downward-pointing hairs common to all North American pitcher plants to force their prey into the trap, this species carefully hides the tiny exit hole from trapped insects by curling it underneath and offering multiple translucent false exits. Upon trying many times to leave via the false exits, the insect will tire and fall down into the trap. The slippery walls and hairs prevent the trapped prey from escaping. The only other species that utilizes this technique is the Parrot Pitcher Plant, Sarracenia psittacina.