Cobra lily

A carnivore shaped like a snake

The cobra lily is a carnivorous plant of unmistakable form: its modified leaves develop into tubular pitchers that curve upward into a swollen hood, beneath which hangs a two-lobed appendage like a snake's forked tongue. The whole thing resembles a cobra rearing up to strike, hence the name. It is the only species in the genus Darlingtonia and is related to the American pitcher plants (Sarracenia).

A maze trap

Unlike many pitcher plants, it does not collect rainwater: the closed hood keeps rain out. Instead the trap works by optical deception: the hood is dotted with translucent "windows" that let light through. Insects lured by nectar, once inside, try to fly towards the bright areas mistaking them for exits, exhaust themselves and eventually slip into the tube, where downward-pointing hairs prevent them from climbing back out.

Habitat and distribution

It is endemic to the mountains and cold bogs of northern California and Oregon, where it grows on poor serpentine soils, often along cold streams and springs. It is adapted to cool summers and a constant supply of water to the roots.

Cultivation

It is considered difficult: its main requirement is cool roots. In the wild, spring water keeps the root system at a low temperature even when the air is warm; in cultivation this must be reproduced with mineral-free water and a substrate kept cool and moist. It loves full sun and cold nights.

Conservation

The species is listed as Least Concern, but its sites are localised and sensitive. Destruction of bogs and illegal collection are local threats; plants on sale should come only from cultivation.