California Pitcher Plant (Darlingtonia californica)

The California pitcher plant, also known as the cobra lily, belongs to the Sarraceniaceae family and is the sole member of the Darlingtonia genus. Its common name, Cobra lily, comes from its long leaf appendages that resemble fangs. This small, but robust population at the Darlingtonia Nature Preserve is the only population of this plant that grows in Oregon, others can be found sporadically in Northern California. It has very specific habitat requirements and can only grow in seeps, acidic poor bogs, and ultramafic soils with cold, water inputs. They specifically grow in fens, which are a type of peat-forming wetland that is fed by groundwater. These wetlands can take thousands of years to develop and can’t be replicated, so it makes them especially unique, but also vulnerable to disturbance. Fens, around the world, are hotspots for rare plants and biodiversity, making them especially interesting to study. In this fen, Darlingtonia californica was growing with sphagnum moss, Rhododendron columbianum, Gaultheria shallon, Thuga plicata, and Lysichiton americanus. Now you must be wondering how this plant catches and traps its food. Small insects, like flies and bees, are lured into the plant by nectar on its colorful, fang-like appendages. Once inside the hood, they are confused by the translucent exits at the top of the leaf and can’t escape (see picture 5). The inner walls of the pitcher are especially slippery, so insects slide down to the bottom and are trapped by sharp, downward facing hairs. Enzymes in the bottom of the pitcher slowly digest the insects and provide nutrients, specifically nitrogen, to the plant. The flowers of this plant are also pretty unique. It has five, green-yellow, long sepals with smaller red petals that stand taller than the pitchers. The pollination of this species is still being studied but some scientists expect that they are pollinated by nocturnal insects who are attracted to its unpleasant smell. Some other studies show that self pollination plays a significant role. Certainly both are at play, but this would make a great thesis. Carnivory in plants is such a cool adaptation and response to the environment, which can’t be understated enough. This species is especially rare in Oregon, so be mindful if you go visit. That being said, please do visit and experience this botanical treasure in person! #Darlingtoniacalifornica