A. Hybrid between yellow pitcher plant and white-topped pitcher plant. 



B. Hybrid between yellow pitcher plant and purple pitcher plant. 



C. Hybrid between white-topped pitcher plant and red pitcher plant. 



D. Hybrid between parrot pitcher plant and red pitcher plant. 



All of the species of pitcher plants in Conecuh National Forest are known to 

 cross with other species, fonning hybrids. At times many hybrids appear at a site, 

 especially if the soil has been disturbed. Hybrids are fomied as bees carrying 

 pollen from the flower of one species visit the flower of another. Hybrid plants 

 often have features that make them less successftal at growing, capturing prey, 

 and reproducing than pure members of the species, so hybrids may not persist. 

 Some hybrids are easily identified, but the parentage of others may be difficult to 

 determine, especially if hybrids themselves cross with other hybrids. The hy- 

 brids pictured abo\ e are representatives known to occur in Conecuh National 

 Forest. Nearly all of the pitcher plant hybrid combinations that are geographi- 

 cally possible may be found in the central Gulf area. 



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