also called the pitcher plant is a carnivorous plant found in the swamps of SouthWestern Australia. This plant is known for it’s unique leave, hence the name the pitcher plant. Like all carnivorous plant the Cephalotus follicularis consumes insects, it’s adaptation to consume these insects is very unique. The Cephalotus follicularis produces two types of leaves.
In the spring this plants produce normal leaves, this helps the plant store carbon through the process of photosynthesis. These normal leaves last for approximately a year, afterwards, when the leave production is at it’s peak the plant produces pitcher like leaves, that help the plant obtain the trap like form. This plant is approximately 3 cm. tall when producing normal leaves, and it’s maximum height when producing pitcher leaves is approximately 6 cm. The leaves/lid of the Cephalotus follicularis is normally open, exposing the digestive fluid; however if the plant is drying out, then the lid is closed to protect the digestive fluid.
The Cephalotus follicularis has a deceiving smell of a sweet nectar, coated along side the lid, this lures insects such as ants into it’s trap. Another adaptation of this plant that allows it to survive in it’s ecosystem is the hair along side the leave that gives it protection from other organisms.
I found this article interesting because it explained the different adaptation a carnivorous plant must perform to survive in a competitive ecosystem. I also found it interesting that this plant has a seasonal routine, that includes the production of different leaves that help the plant store energy and protect itself from harmful factors in an ecosystem.
Article Link: http://botany.org/Carnivorous_Plants/Cephalotus.php
Pitcher leaves
Normal leaves 
That these carnivorous plants can make "different leaves" to survive different conditions is really interesting to know.
ReplyDeleteThe adaptation of plants into carnivorous plants perhaps suggests that these plants cannot be sufficiently sustained by the nutrients in the ground. Perhaps this means that there was a break in the energy flow a long time ago.
ReplyDelete