WHITETOP PITCHERPLANT 

 (Drummond Pitcherpknt) 



Sarracenia drummondii Croom 



Whitetop pitcherpknt, the most striking of all the eastern species, 

 was apparently discovered by William Bartram in 177 5, but he 

 failed to describe it correctly, having confused two species. It was 

 again found by the French explorer Robin and was regarded by him 

 as a species of Arum. Recognizing its true relationship, Rafinesque 

 named it Sarracenia kucophylla, and this name has priority over that 

 assigned to it by Croom. Because Rafinesque's description was inade- 

 quate, however, most botanists use the later name. 



The flowers of this species are similar to those of Sarracenia jonesii, 

 presumably its ancestor, although the red coloration is even more 

 intense. Further evolutionary advance is shown by the leaves, which 

 are taller and, when more mature, more brilliantly colored. The hood 

 and upper part of the tube are white, with broad veins that are 

 green when the leaf first develops, but later turn more or less red. 



The illustration represents a specimen grown by Dr. Coville from 

 roots sent from Alabama. 



PLATE 6 



