TROPICAL PLANT ENCYCLOPEDIA

Darlingtonia californica, California Pitcher Plant, Cobra Lily, Cobra Plant

Darlingtonia californica

California Pitcher Plant, Cobra Lily, Cobra Plant
Family: Sarraceniaceae
Origin: California
Small plant 2-5 ftFull sunKeep soil moistBog or aquatic plantOrnamental foliage

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.



Darlingtonia californica, California Pitcher Plant, Cobra Lily, Cobra Plant


Link to this plant:
https://toptropicals.com/catalog/uid/darlingtonia_californica.htm