3 SEEDS
Cephalotus Folliculari is a genus which contains one species, Cephalotus follicularis, a small carnivorous pitcher plant.
The pit-fall traps of the modified leaves have inspired the common names for this plant, which include Albany pitcher plant, Western Australian pitcher plant, fly-catcher plant or mocassin plant.
native to South-western Australia.
is a small, low growing, herbaceous species.
Evergreen leaves appear from underground rhizomes, are simple with an entire leaf blade, and lie close to the ground.
The pitchers start to grow as small hairy balls at the end of a stalk.
Cephalotus forms two different leaves.
In Summer and Autumn the plant produces small, about 3 cm to 5 cm pitchers.
At the end of Autumn until late Spring, the plant produces normal green leaves.
The insectivorous leaves are small and have the appearance of moccasins, forming the 'pitcher' of the common name.
The pitchers develop a dark red colour in high light levels but stay green in shadier conditions.
The 'pitcher' trap of the species is similar to other pitcher plants.
The peristome at the entrance of the trap has a spiked arrangement that allows the prey to enter, but hinders its escape.
The lid over the entrance, the operculum, prevents rainwater entering the pitcher and thus diluting the digestive enzymes inside.
Insects trapped in this digestive fluid are consumed by the plant.
The operculum has translucent cells which confuse its insect prey as they appear to be patches of sky.
The inflorescence is groupings of small, hermaphroditic, six-parted, regular flowers, which are creamy, or whitish.
In the cooler months of winter (down to about 5 degrees Celsius), they have a natural dormancy period of about 3–4 months, triggered by the temperature drop and reduced light levels.