About
This perennial, rosette-forming species is notable for its seasonal dimorphism, displaying sticky, carnivorous summer leaves and small, non-carnivorous winter rosettes. It is found in specific canyon systems and is characterized by its unique, deeply bilabiate flowers with a prominent spur.
Field notes
Morphology
The summer rosettes feature obovate–spatulate to suborbicular–spatulate leaves, measuring 35 to 72 mm long and 10 to 53 mm wide, and are covered in stalked mucilaginous glands. The winter rosettes consist of small, fleshy, non-glandular leaves, measuring 5 to 17 mm long and 2 to 4 mm wide. Flowers are 36 to 46 mm long, featuring a deeply bilabiate corolla with a 15–28 mm spur, and are borne singly on stalks up to 7.5 cm long.
Distribution & habitat
Known from the canyons of the Moctezuma river and its tributary Arroyo Toliman in Mexico, specifically on steep slopes and vertical cliffs facing north to north-east, at an altitude of 1,000–1,600 meters.
Ecology
The summer leaves are carnivorous, using stalked mucilaginous glands to attract and trap arthropod prey, primarily flies. Sessile glands then release enzymes (including amylase, esterase, phosphatase, protease, and ribonuclease) to digest the trapped insects, which are absorbed through cuticular holes.
History & etymology
The species was described in 1999 by S. Zamudio, who placed it in the section Orcheosanthus. The specific epithet elizabethiae refers to Zamudio's friend, Elizabeth Arguelles.
Habitat
- Altitude
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- Altitude Class
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Cultivation
- Difficulty
- intermediate
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