COBRA LILY
By: Prof. Sherif and Sivim S.
- A.K.A California Pitcher Plant
- Only species of Darlingtonia of the New World Pitcher Plant family
HABITAT
RANKS
The COBRA in Cobra Lily
- Native to North America
- Found near mountain sides or boggy areas
- Optimum growth between 21-26°C
- Rain water/distilled water/ice cubes work best
- The canopy resembles a striking cobra!
- Purple-red appendages similar to fangs or a forked tongue!
- These stalk less leaves branch off the root stalk, growing 40-85cm tall!
EXTREMES...
Thrives in redwood/red fir forests up to 2000m above sea levels!
Southwestern Oregon
Northern California
It can even withstand snow!!
The ROOT System
AND NOW FOR THE MODEL......
Special SKILLS that KILL...
“In habitats like this, there are very few nutrients, carnivorous plants act as the top predator of the ecosystem. And they’ll eat just about anything they can lure into them.”
-Barry Rice
- Evolved species
- Rhizomes
- Absorb nutrients from prey like roots absorb from soil
- Do NOT produce digestive enzymes, rely on bacteria
- 2-4cm of water (KEEP COOL)
- NO fertilizer
The SHOOT System
Flowers
- Angiosperm
- Solitary nodding flower
- 5 green sepals that are longer than the 5 red-veined green petals
- Reproduce asexually by stolons (a.k.a. runners)
- Like bright light but not direct light
- Elongated tube structure in bright colours
- Nectar glands
- Pollen
- Downward facing flower on stem
- Five sepals
- Monoecious
- Petals remain closed
- 12-15 stamens
- Holes between petals
- POLLINATION IS A MYSTERY
- Flowers turn down and die
References
Abdullah, M. G. (2015, January 22). Cobra Plant.
Brittnacher, J. (n.d.). Growing Darlingtonia californica.
Cassidy, J. (2014, March 3). Predatory Plant: Lure of the Cobra Lily.
Find U.S. growing zones on the USDA planting zone map. (n.d.).
Grant, B. L. (n.d.). Cobra lily care: Tips for growing a Cobra lily plant.
How to grow and care for carnivorous Cobra lily plants. (n.d.).