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Cobralily |
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Introduction
The Cobra Lily is an unusual carnivorous plant because it has a very different environment from many others. The Cobra Lily grows only in high mountainous areas along shaded streams in Northern California and Southern Oregon. The Cobra Lily was also introduced to British Columbia in a national park containing a suitable growing environment.
The Cobra Lily was discovered by a botanist in 1841 just before Native Americans arrived at the site. It was named after a friend of Brackenridge, the discoverer: Dr. William Darlington, hence the first part of the Latin name: Darlingtonia, but the second part comes from California where it was discovered: californica.
The Cobra Lily is a type of Pitcher Plant, though not related to the other American Pitcher Plants. This plant does have a lot in common with the Parrot Pitcher. It captures insect by a method called the Pitfall method. There is a little hole under the hood of the pitcher that insects climb into. Once inside, they can not get back out because the hole is too small and hard to get to from the inside. Once the insect gets inside, it falls into the pitcher where it drowns in water secreted, or produced, by the plant. The Cobra Lily does not have enzymes like other carnivorous plants, but has bacteria inside the water to help break down the bugs.
Geography
As mentioned above, the Cobra Lily grows in shady areas. Some plants can tolerate lots of direct sun, but it is not typical. Another important part of the Cobra Lily environment are the slow moving streams that they are often growing near. This provides slow-moving cool water for the plant to grow in. When taken together, you can see that these plants will grow well in a cool, shady location in cool water.
Growing Specifics
The Cobra Lily can be a challenging plant to grow. I am on my second...the first one met a bitter end! The good news is
that after I received some advice from a more experienced hobbyist, my new plant is growing well and thriving. I use the
Tray Watering Method for my plants, but I also place some ice cubes made with purified water. These
cubes will melt cooling the roots. I have another problem and that is my terrarium produces too much light! I know, that
is rare for a terrarium, but my Cobra Lily doesn't like it much, so I shade the plant by placing it under a Nepenthes
to give it some shade. If you don't have one of those, you can also build a shield with some paperclips and a small piece
of window screen which should help to shade the plant.
This is a temperate plant and requires a dormant period in the winter.
Photogallery
Click on the photos to see larger images.
Darlingtonia californica The only species of this plant. A young plant. |
A Few Months Later The same plant a few months later. |
Keeping Roots Cool Since this plant likes to have cool roots, I often place a pure-water ice cube on the top of the soil. As the cube melts, it will keep the roots cold. |
All information on this site ©2006 State College Carnivorous Plants. Site designed and maintained by Tom Murosky.
Last update January 22, 2007.
I allow free use of all written materials on this site. Easy download PDF files availible
in the resource link of each plant type.
Photographs may contain copyrights from other organizations, you must contact them regarding
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