The Animal Eating Cobra Lily

Cobra Lily is one of the common names of the Darlingtonia Californica, also called the California Pitcher plant.

They are native to Northern California and Southern Oregon bogs. Bogs alone have a rather eerie atmosphere, and these plants are really spooky.

We returned to see them once again at the small Botanical Garden off of Highway 199 that begins north of Crescent city and winds it way to Grants Pass, Oregon. Not to far past the town of Gasquet there is a sign, Botanical Gardens, and it is a VERY short walk to the bog.

The Bog



These plants have a nectar that attracts insects that get trapped in these plants. "Once an insect is lured inside, lubricating secretions and downward-pointing hairs prevent them from escaping, and translucent ‘exits’ that aren’t actually exits at all seem to taunt them in their final moments. Once the insect gets tired of trying to escape, it falls down into the water and drowns." Quote from 7 Carnivorous Plants This is the way they absorb nitrogen in the nitrogen starved bog.



They have such an animal like character---here they are surrounding the king and all talking.



Cobra Lily is such a perfect name.



And someone was lurking in the bog taking pictures of me!



They are so worth visiting and then further down the road to Grants Pass, you can see the dangers that can lurk when one approaches the bright light at the end of the tunnel.



As a side note, for the first time, we took Highway 66 from Ashland to Klamath falls, and it is a BEAUTIFUL way to go---it feels like the road is just hanging on the side of the mountain as it steeply climbs over the pass.

[Edited on 12-11-2011 by DianaT]

More great shots, Diana, in beautiful country. Looks like you are having a great trip!!!

I suspect that the clandestine guy taking pics. of you is JoeJustJoe gathering material for some future NOMAD expo'se of an imagined "poser fraud" that he believes you are committing. Be prepared!?!?!?

(darn, Sorry, I just could not resist )

Barry

Pitcher Plant

i found this gem at home depot early this past summer. it hangs under a patio cover in a bright spot. i was told to water with distilled water ONLY. it has grown +/- 30% in 6 months. add a 1/2" of distilled to each "pitcher" to augment the plants natural liquid bug aphrodisiac.....

pretty cool plant. good find Diane!!!!

Thanks --- glad some of you enjoyed these.

Woody, from what I have read there are few different Darlingtonias, or Pitcher Plants and the Californica is unique as it does not trap water in its pitcher like the other ones do. Instead it pulls water up from the roots and then regulates the level.

The one you have is beautiful and it appears to be one that does trap rain water---or in your case, the distilled water you provide. I think they are just neat plants. Take good care of it as it is special.


Barry, I will get back at you!

So after a year and a half now my pitcher plant has bloomed! who knew? i hope that doesn't mean it's gonna croak now.....

Quote:

Originally posted by DianaT Cobra Lily is one of the common names of the Darlingtonia Californica, also called the California Pitcher plant. They are native to Northern California and Southern Oregon bogs. Bogs alone have a rather eerie atmosphere, and these plants are really spooky. We returned to see them once again at the small Botanical Garden off of Highway 199 that begins north of Crescent city and winds it way to Grants Pass, Oregon. Not to far past the town of Gasquet there is a sign, Botanical Gardens, and it is a VERY short walk to the bog. The Bog These plants have a nectar that attracts insects that get trapped in these plants. "Once an insect is lured inside, lubricating secretions and downward-pointing hairs prevent them from escaping, and translucent ‘exits’ that aren’t actually exits at all seem to taunt them in their final moments. Once the insect gets tired of trying to escape, it falls down into the water and drowns." Quote from 7 Carnivorous Plants This is the way they absorb nitrogen in the nitrogen starved bog. They have such an animal like character---here they are surrounding the king and all talking. Cobra Lily is such a perfect name. And someone was lurking in the bog taking pictures of me! They are so worth visiting and then further down the road to Grants Pass, you can see the dangers that can lurk when one approaches the bright light at the end of the tunnel. As a side note, for the first time, we took Highway 66 from Ashland to Klamath falls, and it is a BEAUTIFUL way to go---it feels like the road is just hanging on the side of the mountain as it steeply climbs over the pass. [Edited on 12-11-2011 by DianaT]

Those pitcher plants are neat! There're plenty of down in south MS. They grow in wet, boggy places.