Purple Pitcher-plant
A carnivorous plant bearing 1 large, purplish-red flower on a leafless stalk rising above a rosette of bronzy, reddish-green, hollow, inflated, curved leaves. Leaves: 4-12"(10-30 cm) long; each with a broad, flaring, terminal lip covered with stiff, downward-pointing hairs. Height: 8-24" (20-60 cm); flower stalk as tall as leaves.
Peat bogs.
Alberta east to Newfoundland, south to Florida, west to Louisiana, and north to Illinois and Minnesota.
This striking plant has pitcher-like leaves that collect water; organisms attracted to the colored lip have difficulty crawling upward because of the recurved hairs and eventually fall into the water and drown. Enzymes secreted by the plant aid in the digestion of the insect, but much of the breakdown is passive, a result of bacterial activity. The plant absorbs the nutrients, especially nitrogenous compounds. Parrot Pitcher Plant (S. psittacina), a southern species found from Georgia and Florida west to Louisiana, has many prostrate "pitchers" with hooked lips like a parrot’s bill.
May-August.. 2"(5 cm) wide; petals 5; stamens numerous; style expanding into an umbrella-like structure.
Capsule.
