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Pitcher Plants (Sarracenia spp.)
Physical Description:
• The most striking feature is the tubular pitchers of the plant
• Various species range in size from about 10 inches up to 3 feet tall
• Tubes and flowers of different species range in color variations from white with red veins to solid green
• Slippery hairs are found inside the tubes and a pool of digestive juice is found within the tube
• External opening of tube is covered by a hood like projection that prevents digestive juices from becoming diluted with rain water
Range:
• Found throughout the world in areas associated with soggy, acidic soil
• Around eight different species of pitcher plant found in the Southeast
• Associated with longleaf pine forests, the more common are the white-topped, green, purple, parrot, yellow and cane break pitcher plants
Habitat Description:
• Bogs, seepage areas, savannas, and flat woods
• Frequent fire is a necessary component
Feeding:
• Green pine cones (and pine seeds) comprise a large part of the fox squirrels diet in the Southeast
• In seasons of pine seed scarcity or absence the hard mast of various oak trees is utilized
• Also eat subterranean fungi (truffles) which it locates by smell
Breeding:
• 2 to 4 young per litter
• Can raise 2 litters per year
Interesting trivia:
• Carnivorous diet composed of isopods, mites, spiders, and the occasional small frog
• Prey is attracted to the plant, climbs down the tube, falls into the pitcher, which contains rain, dew, and a digestive enzyme that soon dissolves the victim
• Up to seventeen species of insects are known to rely on solely on pitcher plants for survival (including pollinators, prey consumers, parasites, etc.)
• Plants resprout quickly and vigorously after a fire
Status:
• Generally declining throughout their range
• Often considered species of special concern and some even Federally listed
Causes for decline:
• Fire suppression activities that degrade habitat
• Over collecting for trade
• Changing hydrology of habitat through draining, vegetation clearing, etc.
• Overgrazing