green pitcher plant

The green pitcher plant, Sarracenia oreophila, is a carnivorous plant native to limited areas of Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, and Tennessee. It belongs to the family Sarraceniaceae, which are found in North and South America. These plants have modified, pitcher-shaped leaves that act as pitfall traps for insects and other small prey.123

The pitcher's glistening surfaces and unusual coloration attract insects. Once inside, downward-pointing hairs and slippery walls prevent escape, leading the prey to drown in the liquid at the bottom. Digestive enzymes and bacteria then break down the prey, allowing the plant to absorb essential nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus, which are scarce in its boggy, acidic habitat. The green pitcher plant is critically endangered.21