Pitcherplants
What are they?
Pitcherplants are well-known for their remarkable ability to survive in areas of very low nutrient by catching insects. They do this passively, with the use of highly modified leaves, which have curled into hollow tubes containing an enzyme-rich fluid. This fluid 'dissolves' the trapped insects so that the plant can absorb them into its own cells. To help trap the insects, the pitchers have downward pointing hairs at the top, making it easier for insects to walk down than up. Below this is an area of smooth, waxy cuticle offering no grip.
Where are they found?
These are plants of open sphagnum bogs, growing directly on the moss with no soil to provide vital nutrients.
Identification
There is only one species in the Cape May area, making identification of this peculiar plant straight forward.
Purple Pitcherplant Sarracenia purpurea
A common and widespread species in stands of sphagnum moss in acid bogs. Most common in old cranberry bogs. Flowers late May to mid June.
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