3-81 Sarraceniaceae, pitcher-plant family

Marian C. Munro; Ruth E. Newell; Nicholas M. Hill

Authors

Marian C. Munro Nova Scotia Museum, Halifax, NS
Ruth E. Newell E. C. Smith Herbarium, Acadia University, Wolfville, Nova Scotia
Nicholas M. Hill Fernhill Institute, Kentville, Nova Scotia; Acadia University, Wolfville, Nova Scotia and Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia

Keywords:

Magnoliophyte, dicot, pitcher-plant family, Sarracenia, pitcher-plant, carnivorous plant

Abstract

Unmistakeable in form and function, these carnivorous species live in peatlands and other inhospitable habitats. There are only 15 species worldwide; one in Nova Scotia. All have modified leaves forming passive traps into which
their prey falls. These basal, cuplike structures are armed with strongly recurved hairs, forbidding escape. As the cups fill with rainwater, the small invertebrates, mostly insects, drown. The green leaves are also ornamented with
bright red veins. Single flowers are borne on erect scapes above the leaves. Their styles are modified into an umbrella-shaped shield protecting the carpels.A single species is found in Nova Scotia. Photo use was supplied by Alain Belliveau and Martin Thomas.

Author Biographies

Marian C. Munro, Nova Scotia Museum, Halifax, NS

Curator of Botany (NSPM)

Ruth E. Newell, E. C. Smith Herbarium, Acadia University, Wolfville, Nova Scotia

Curator of the E. C. Smith Herbarium (ACAD)

Nicholas M. Hill, Fernhill Institute, Kentville, Nova Scotia; Acadia University, Wolfville, Nova Scotia and Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia

Director; Adjunct Professor