Carnivorous plant encyclopedia - Chapter 3: plants for the expert: Cephalotus (Albany pitcher) - the spooky deviator

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Cephalotus (Albany pitcher):

Habitat:
Within the genus of Cephalotus there is only one species, namely the Cephalotus follicularis. This carnivorous plant is also called "Albany pitcher" because it can be exclusively found in a very small area close to the city of Albany in Southwest Australia. Here, the Cephalotus grows along streams in the moist of swampy headwater regions. Similar to the Venus flytrap, the Cephalotus benefits from periodic burnings that hold the ambient vegetation on a minimum level, therefore allowing it to absorb sunlight and humidity unhamperedly throughout the entire year. Interestingly, the Cephalotus isn't evolutionary related to any other carnivorous plant species.

Cultivation:
The cephalotus is an eye-catching curiosity in any indoor terrarium thanks to its vivid appearance. Similar to the Heliamphora, they are rarities in garden centers and have complex cultivation requirements. The Cephalotus develops its characteristic "teethed" pitcher in summer, while over winter they produce non-carnivorous leaves. Although they enjoy bright places with intense sunlight year-round, they don't like heat. Therefore, during day they shouldn't be exposed to temperatures higher than 25°C, while at night mild temperatures of roughly 15°C are necessary. Like with most carnivorous plants, at least 60% humidity are a must. Also very important is a winter rest period of approximately three months during which the plant can recover from potential growth distress. The trickiest part with the Cephalotus, however, poses finding the proper watering method, because they have very sensitive roots. They generally feel comfortable in moist soil (preferably sphagnum mixed with perlites or quartz sand) but like the Heliamphora don't want to stay in it permanently because their delicate roots might rot. Within a short timeframe of two days the plant can collapse completely, and usually any physical symptoms of decay will only become visible when it is too late already. It can very well cost the life of some pitchers until a suitable watering balance has been found. Under perfect cultivation conditions the Cephalotus' pitcher coloration will change from a light green to dark purple tone.

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Trap mechanism:

The Cephalotus has the generic passive pitfall trap that attracts insect prey through intense coloration and nectaries. The latter are produced between its unique furrows along the pitcher rim and in the inner surface of its cover lid. This lid also protects the pitcher from excessive rainwater influx, so as to ensure that the digestive fluid, which is already readily available at the bottom of the pitcher, won't be attenuated. Yet there are also other features that make the Cephalotus an insect's worst nighmare; upward pointing hairs on the pitcher's outside make it easier for crawling insects to reach the trap's entrance, hence welcoming them to explore the opening. Inside however, very close to the entrance, the formation of the papillae suddenly changes from upward to downward, thus complicating climbing back. Combined with the secretion of nectaries at the rim, making for slippery feet, it is nearly impossible for the insect to exit, whilst skidding down further and further. As if that wasn't enough, the lid has transluscent cells which hoax flying insects with the sweet promise of escape. The prey's desperate attempt is to no avail though, because not only does it indulge in an illusion but it also unknowingly jumps right into the trap's hotspot of nectar secretion, which will paralyse it even more. Once the insect plunges into the digestive soup, two reddish glands will absorb the victim's nutrients.

Much Love and Light,

Alex

Literature Inspiration: Kosmos Garten: Fleischfressende Pflanzen