Cephalotaceae

The family Cephalotaceae contains a single species, the Western Australian pitcher plant (Cephalotus follicularis). This carnivorous plant is native to southwestern Australia and thrives in damp, sandy, or swampy soil conditions, supplementing its nutrient intake through carnivory due to poor soil quality.12

Unlike many other pitcher plants, Cephalotus follicularis also possesses traditional leaves alongside its pitfall traps. These traps are short, green pitchers protected by a hairy, red-and-white striped lid that deters rainfall and attracts prey. The opening of the pitcher features nectar-producing rings that help trap insects, primarily ants, which then fall into the pitcher to be digested by enzymes. The plant is listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.21