Darlingtonia Californica

Description:

Darlingtonia Californica, aka, the Cobra Lily, or Pitcher Plant is a rare endangered endemic carnivorous plant which evolved over millions of years in a mineral laden environment, in which they survived by eating insects. Found only in parts of Northern California and Southern Oregon, this insectivorous plant belongs to the American pitcher plant family, Sarraceniaceae. These plants have adapted and thrived over eons in a toxic environment. They gain nutrition by luring insects to them with bright colors and sweet nectar. Once the prey is captured in the hood of the plant the prey becomes confused and weak, and subsequently drop into a bacteria-filled solution of digestive enzymes.

Habitat:

Cold spring water running off the sides of mountains collect and form an acidic marshy habitat, containing high levels of nickel and iron. The plants thrive in an ultramafic terrain.

Notes:

Found on $8 road in the Kalmiopsis Wilderness Area, Cave Junction, Oregon. The Illinois River photo shows the terrain below the bog where these plants were sited.