Rhododendrites · CC BY-SA 4.0
About
Also known as the hooded pitcherplant, *Sarracenia minor* is a perennial, rhizomatous species notable for its domed pitchers featuring translucent white patches. These patches are thought to attract flying insects, guiding them deeper into the pitcher for digestion.
Field notes
Morphology
The typical plant has pitchers measuring 25–30 cm (10–12 in) in height, though a large form can reach up to 90–120 cm (3–4 ft). The tubes are generally green, sometimes with reddish upper parts. Flowers are yellow and odorless, and the plant produces over a hundred seeds per capsule.
Distribution & habitat
It is found in northern and central Florida, in Georgia, and extending up to the southern part of North Carolina, with its southernmost range surrounding Lake Okeechobee in south-central Florida.
Ecology
The pitchers are filled with water and enzymes used to digest prey. The species attracts a wide range of flying insects and is also noted to be attractive to ants.
History & etymology
The first description of *Sarracenia minor* was written by Thomas Walter in 1788. The specific epithet minor means "small," referring to the typical size of the pitchers.
Habitat
- Altitude
- 0–100 m
- Altitude Class
- lowland
- Native To
- United States
Cultivation
- Difficulty
- easy
- Temperature
- Summer 22–32°C / Winter dormancy 0–10°C
- Humidity
- 50–80%
- Notes
- Distinctive hooded pitcher with translucent windows (areoles).
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