Purple Pitcher Plant

	Family: Sarraceniacae Genus: Sarracenia Common Name : Purple pitcher plant / northern pitcher plant; French, Sarracene pourpre. Origin: North America (northern part of the continent, Atlantic coastal region, south through Florida).
	Habitat: Marshy areas are its best known habitat.
	Description: The leaves range from 4 to 12 inches long, narrow at the base giving way to a bulbous middle which constricts at the top to form a narrow opening. Above the opening, the leaf widens to form a somewhat horseshoe or heart shaped surface, which is generally ruffled around the edges. The upper surface of the leaf is covered by hundreds of downward pointing hairs which direct the prey into the pitcher. The prey is usually attracted by nectar which is produced at the lip of the narrow section of the trap. The prey may also be attracted by the color of the plant. Once the prey is inside, the plant absorbs its nutrients through digestive glands at the bottom of the pitcher. The flowers are borne on 12 to 16 inch stalks which generally appear early in the spring before the new leaves begin to appear. As with all Sarracenia, the corolla is made up of 5 oval, very large petals, sunk inwards at the ends which are numerous stamens, each composed of a short filament terminating in a simple rounded anther. The ovary is almost spherical and is surmounted by a short cylindrical style, self topped by a shield in the shape of a five-cornered umbrella covering the stamens. Underneath the ends of each of these corners is a stigma. The fruit is a capsule of five compartments, which hold the tiny seeds. When the seed matures it should be collected, dried and stored through the winter. In the spring sew them directly on wet peat, maintain high humidity and temperature of at least 60 degrees.
	Cultivation: The plants prefer an acidic medium such as sphagnum or peat moss, but will tolerate alkaline soils. The soil must be kept moist at all times during the growing period. Reduce the amount of water in the winter months, but do not allow the soil to dry out. Rain water should be used if possible. If you must use chlorinated water, allow it to sit out for 48 hours before use. Plants are usually difficult to grow indoors because they require large amounts of sunlight, which gives them their desirable red color.
	Prey: The pitcher plant’s prey is generally flying insects, flies, bees and wasps.
	Pest and Diseases: Aphids and Fungi are the two major problems associated with Sarracenia purpurea. Any insect problem can be eliminated by treatment with Orthene, a product of Ortho, which can be purchased through your local garden center. Fungi problems can be eliminated by treating the plant with Daconil 2787. In the U.S., these Sarracenia are attacked by the caterpillars of three species of butterfly of the Exyra genus. The caterpillar bores into the tuberous portion of the plant, eating it from the inside out.