Cane-brake pitcher plant facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Cane-brake pitcher plant |
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| Conservation status | |
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| Genus: |
Sarracenia
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| Species: |
alabamensis
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The cane-brake pitcher plant (Sarracenia alabamensis) is a special kind of carnivorous plant. This means it eats insects! Like all Sarracenia plants, it grows naturally in the New World (North and South America).
There are two main types, or subspecies, of S. alabamensis. One type, called S. alabamensis subsp. alabamensis, is found only in central Alabama. The other type, S. alabamensis subsp. wherryi, grows in southwestern Alabama, eastern Mississippi, and Florida. Sometimes, scientists think of these plants as types of another pitcher plant, S. rubra.
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How Pitcher Plants Trap Insects
The cane-brake pitcher plant catches insects using a special leaf shaped like a tube or pitcher. These leaves are usually 20 to 65 centimeters tall. They are covered in tiny, soft hairs. Over a few years, these plants can grow into large groups.
The top part of the leaf opens up like a lid. This lid helps stop too much rain from getting into the pitcher. Inside the pitcher, there are special liquids that help digest the insects.
- Guiding Hairs: The top part of the pitcher has short, stiff hairs pointing downwards. These hairs guide insects towards the opening of the pitcher.
- Nectar Roll: The opening of the pitcher has a special edge called a 'nectar roll'. This part makes a sweet liquid called nectar. Insects love nectar, so they come closer.
- Slippery Trap: Inside the pitcher, the walls are very smooth and waxy. This makes it super hard for insects to keep their footing. If an insect slips, it falls to the bottom.
- No Escape: At the bottom, the plant's digestive fluid and inward-pointing hairs trap the insect. It's very hard for them to climb out. Sometimes, big insects like wasps might chew their way out, but most get caught.
The Plant's Yearly Cycle
The cane-brake pitcher plant starts its year in spring. It grows beautiful crimson (red) flowers. Often, several flowers grow from one spot. After the flower petals fall off, the first pitcher leaves of the year open up.
- Spring Pitchers: The pitchers that grow in spring are usually weaker and floppier. They have a larger "wing" on the side.
- Summer and Autumn Pitchers: As the year goes on, the plants grow bigger and stronger pitchers.
- Color Differences: The S. alabamensis subsp. alabamensis has yellow-green pitchers with reddish lines. The S. alabamensis subsp. wherryi has shorter, often olive-green pitchers.
- Winter Rest: In winter, the plants go to sleep or become dormant. If it gets very cold, the plant might even die back to its underground stem, called a rhizome.
Why This Plant Needs Our Help
The cane-brake pitcher plant is quite rare. Fewer than 15 places where S. alabamensis subsp. alabamensis grows are left. This is because:
- Habitat Loss: The places where they live are being destroyed.
- Drainage: Their wet homes are being drained.
- Poaching: Some people illegally take the plants from the wild.
Because of these problems, this plant is listed as an endangered species in the US. It is also protected by an international agreement called CITES (Appendix I). This means there are strict rules about selling these plants. You can't easily sell them across US states or to other countries.
The other type, S. alabamensis subsp. wherryi, is not as endangered because it grows in more places. However, it is still protected by CITES (Appendix II).
Naming the Pitcher Plant
Scientists recognize two main types of this plant:
- S. alabamensis subsp. alabamanensis: This is the cane-brake pitcher plant.
- S. alabamensis subsp. wherryi: This is called Wherry's pitcher plant.
Some interesting types of Wherry's pitcher plant include one with yellow flowers and very large plants found near Chatom, Alabama. These big plants are sometimes called "Chatom giant."
The cane-brake pitcher plant was first collected in Elmore County, Alabama, in 1971. The scientists Frederick W. Case and Roberta Burckhardt Case named the new species in 1975. Over the years, there were some confusing steps in how the plant was officially named and recognized by other scientists. Finally, in 2005, Frederick and Roberta Case made sure the names S. alabamensis and S. alabamensis subsp. wherryi were officially recognized.
