Species Spotlight : Pitcher Plant
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More species of carnivorous plants are found in Florida than in any other state and the most conspicuous of these plants are the pitcher plants. The leaves of some of the six pitcher plant species found in Florida are nearly three feet tall and variously colored yellow-green or reddish with splotches of white or purple. The openings at the top of the tubes are partially or completely covered by brightly patterned hoods. Pitcher plants bloom with yellow, purple or red dangling flowers beginning in late March or early April, sometimes before the new leaves have appeared.
Pitcher plants, so named because their erect, hollow leaves resemble pitchers, "eat" insects. The insects are attracted to the bright colors of the flowers or hoods, and to nectar secretions and enticing odors produced by some species. Insects that venture in may encounter downward pointing hairs on a slippery wall that lead down to a pool of digestive enzymes or rainwater at the base of the tube. The digested bugs provide a rich source of nutrients naturally lacking in the wet, acidic soils where pitcher plants grow.
Pitcher plants occur as far south as central Florida, but the greatest concentrations are found in northwest Florida, in sites such as the Blackwater River State Forest. Fire suppression and habitat loss due to wetland alteration, especially forestry site preparation, have caused the number of pitcher plants to decline. At least four Florida species are now protected under state or federal law. The bogs are beautiful but fragile habitats, and therefore, do not hold up well to human traffic.
Where you can find pitcher plants
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