90 PITCHEE-PLAjSTT FAMILY 



There is still another peculiarity in these leaves: the 

 interior is lined, for a little distance below the opening, 

 with smooth, stiff, downward-pointing hairs, making the 

 easiest possible descent into the base, but — fadlis descensus 

 Averni — ascent against these sharp points is, to the average 

 insect, impossible, and death is certain. A zone of darker 

 color in the lower part of an opened leaf shows the posi- 

 tion of the specialized secreting cells below the zone of 

 slippery hairs. The secretion in the leaves of different 

 species of pitcher-plants is increased by the presence of 

 captured insects. It contains an active enzyme that di- 

 gests protein, and its action on the victims captured soon 

 forms a nutrient solution that is absorbed by the leaf, which 

 in this peculiar way devours its prey. 



Yet, astonishing as it may seem, a few species of flies and 

 small moths make their homes within these pitchers, and 

 are immune to the secretion that is fatal to others. Their 

 larvae use the food supply the plant has secured, and 

 feed on the inner surface of the leaves, finally pupating 

 within them. 



On opening the base of a leaf, the remains of flies, 

 beetles, and many ants are found, fiUing it sometimes 

 to a depth of several inches. Living in this unsavory col- 

 lection a pale gray larva is often seen, not half an inch 

 in length, and so nakedly translucent that the inner work- 

 ings of its small body seem nearly as visible as are those of 

 a clock in a glass case. 



Several other species of pitcher-plants, with leaves of 

 peculiar and diverse forms, veined with crimson and 

 purple, are found in northern and northwestern Florida, 

 and are briefly described below. 



Sarracenia minor (S. variolaris). Flowers yellow, about 2 

 in. across, solitary on stalk 6-20 in. tall. Sepals 5, petals 5, 

 stamens many. Leaves basal, hollow, tubular, 6-20 in. long, 

 ending in an overarching hood. Low pinelands and marshes. 

 Blooming in spring. Fla. to N. C. 



