Pitcher Plants
& Buttercups
Mississippi Pitcher Plant
The pitcher plant are carnivorous plants
that grow in our cherished and diminishing wetlands in
Mississippi. Moisture from rainfall collects on the clay soil surface, creating
very muddy, soft soils that often pond. Our wetlands provide habitat for not
only our fish and other wildlife, but add erosion control, and water quality
improvements. Many carnivorous plants are rare and poaching is a major problem
in many areas.
The large leaves resemble tall pitchers
partially filled with water, they are also good mimics of flowers that fools
insects. The false flowers are the pitfall trap to flies that very easily
become victims when they seek potential food inside. As the temperatures rise in
our summer season the leaves become purplish red from the presence of
anthocyanins (flavonoid pigments found in red/purplish fruits and vegetables)
luring flies. Carnivorous plants are actually quite beautiful as depicted in
these photos. And in reality they hold the decaying odor of already trapped
prey. Once the fly enters the hollow leaf, it has little chance of escaping.
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Works by Terry Blake Edwards
Artist/Teacher/Naturalist
Terry Blake Edwards, Teacher
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