Hooded pitcherplant facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Hooded pitcherplant |
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| Sarracenia minor at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden | |
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
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Sarracenia
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| Species: |
minor
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| Sarracenia minor range | |
The Sarracenia minor, also known as the hooded pitcherplant, is a special type of carnivorous plant. It is a perennial plant, meaning it lives for many years. It grows from a thick underground stem called a rhizome. Like all Sarracenia plants, it is found only in North America.
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What's in a Name?
The name Sarracenia minor was first given to this plant in 1788. It was named by a botanist called Thomas Walter. The word minor means "small" in Latin. This refers to the typical size of its pitcher traps. The common name, "hooded pitcherplant," comes from the unique lid on top of its pitchers.
Meet the Hooded Pitcherplant
Most Sarracenia minor plants are fairly small. Their pitcher tubes usually grow about 25 to 30 centimeters (10 to 12 inches) tall. However, a very large type of this plant can be found in the Okefenokee marshes. These giant pitchers can reach up to 90 to 120 centimeters (3 to 4 feet) high!
The pitcher tubes are mostly green. Sometimes, their upper parts can have a reddish color. These plants usually flower from late March to mid-May. Their flowers are yellow and do not have a smell. Each flower capsule can produce over a hundred seeds.
How it Catches Prey
Sarracenia minor is one of only two Sarracenia species with special domed pitchers. These pitchers have clear, white patches that let light shine through. Scientists think this light helps to trick flying insects. The light makes insects fly deeper into the pitcher, away from the opening. This is similar to how some other carnivorous plants, like Darlingtonia californica, catch their food.
The pitcher is filled with water and special liquids. These liquids contain enzymes that help the plant digest the insects it catches. In nature, Sarracenia minor is very good at attracting ants. However, it also catches and eats many other kinds of flying insects.
Where it Lives
This plant grows along the coasts of northern Florida and in Georgia. It can also be found as far north as the southern part of North Carolina. It has the southernmost range of any Sarracenia plant. You can even find small groups of them around Lake Okeechobee in south-central Florida.
Its Home Environment
Sarracenia minor grows in swampy areas. These places often have soil that is poor in important nutrients. For example, they might not have much nitrogen or phosphorus. The plant gets these missing nutrients by eating insects.
Types of Hooded Pitcherplant
- Sarracenia minor var. minor
- Sarracenia minor var. okefenokeensis Schnell (2002)
Gallery
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Sarracenia minor var. okefenokeensis at Okefenokee Swamp Park, Waycross, Georgia
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Plants of Sarracenia minor var. okefenokeensis in Okefenokee Swamp Park in Waycross, Georgia
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Sarracenia minor var. okefenokeensis
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Sarracenia minor pitcher at the botanical garden of Villa Durazzo-Pallavicini, Genova Pegli
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Close-up on Sarracenia minor pitcher
See also
In Spanish: Planta carnívora encapuchada para niños
