Cephalotus 871341 221956739 2008-06-26T21:26:23Z Rkitko 536375 bold all common names, remove comment on "most proper" - sounded prescriptive, less than descriptive {{Taxobox | name = Albany Pitcher Plant | image = Cephalotus_follicularis_Hennern_2.jpg | image_width = 240px | status = VU | status_system = iucn2.3 | regnum = [[Plant]]ae | divisio = [[Flowering plant|Magnoliophyta]] | classis = [[Magnoliopsida]] | subclassis = [[Rosidae]] | unranked_ordo = [[Eurosids I]] | ordo = [[Oxalidales]] | familia = '''Cephalotaceae''' | familia_authority = | genus = '''''Cephalotus''''' | genus_authority = | species = '''''C. follicularis''''' | binomial = ''Cephalotus follicularis'' | binomial_authority = [[Jacques Labillardière|Labill.]] | range_map =Cephalotus distribution.svg | range_map_width = 240px | range_map_caption = Global range }} '''''Cephalotus''''' ({{pronEng|kɛfələʊtəs/ but frequently /sɛfələʊtəs}}) is a [[genus]] of [[flowering plant]]s which contains one [[species]], '''''Cephalotus follicularis'''''. Common names for this small [[carnivorous plant]] include '''Albany Pitcher Plant''' and to a lesser degree, '''Western Australian Pitcher Plant''', '''fly-catcher plant''' or '''mocassin plant'''. The Albany Pitcher Plant is an advanced [[rosid]], and thus closer related to [[apple]]s and [[oak]]s than to other [[pitcher plant]]s like [[Nepenthaceae]] ([[basal (evolution)|basal]] [[eudicot|core eudicot]]s) and [[Sarraceniaceae]] (basal [[asterid]]s). The placement of its [[monotypic]] [[family (biology)|family]] '''Cephalotaceae''' in the [[order (biology)|order]] [[Saxifragales]] has been abandoned. The current taxonomic placement is within the order of [[Oxalidales]]. The monotypic arrangement of the family and genus is indicative of a high degree of [[endemism]], one of four such species of the region. Its exact relationships among the Oxalidales are obscure, but [[biogeography]] suggests that they might be closest to one or some of the other [[Gondwana]]n Oxidales ([[Cunoniaceae]], [[Elaeocarpaceae]] and [[Brunelliaceae]]). ==Description and ecology== [[Image:Cephalotus_follicularis_Hennern_4.jpg|thumb|left|''Cephalotus follicularis'' in typical [[habitat]] in coastal SW-Australia.]] ''Cephalotus follicularis'' is a small herb. Some [[leaves]] of the plant are [[insectivorous]], these are small, green, and have the appearance of [[moccasin (footwear)|moccasin]]s forming the 'pitcher' of the common name. Other leaves on the plant are simple, more conventional in appearance, with an entire leaf blade. The foliage is a basal arrangement that is closely arranged, the adapted leaf blades are outward facing. These leaves give the main form of the species, the height is around 200 mm. The 'pitcher' trap of the species are similar to other [[pitcher plant]]s. The [[peristome]] at the entrance of the trap have a spiked arrangement that allows the prey to enter, but hinder its escape. The lid over the entrance, the [[Operculum (botany)|operculum]], prevents rainwater entering the pitcher; this prevents dilution of the digestive [[enzyme]]s inside. This enzyme solution is the active part of an otherwise passive mechanism, those insects which are unable to escape are consumed by the plant. The operculum has translucent cells which serve to confuse its [[insect]] prey by appearing like patches of sky. The [[inflorescence]] is groupings of small, hermaphroditic, six-parted, regular [[flowers]], which are creamy, or whitish. ===Ecology=== The plant occurs in southern coastal districts of the [[Southwest botanical province]]; recorded in the [[Warren (biogeographic region)]], southern [[Jarrah Forest]], and the [[Esperance Plains]]. Its habitat is on moist peaty sands found in swamps or along creeks and streams, but it is tolerant of less damp situations. Its population in the wild has been reduced by [[habitat destruction]] and overcollecting; it is therefore classified as [[Vulnerable species]] (VU A2ac v2.3) by the [[IUCN]].<ref>Conran ''et al.'' (2000)</ref> The larvae of ''[[Badisis ambulans]]'', an [[Ant mimicry|ant-like]] wingless [[Micropezidae|micropezid]] [[fly]], develop inside the pitchers. They have never been found anywhere else.<ref name=McAlpine1998>McAlpine (1998)</ref> ==Cultivation== {{Copied howto}} ''Cephalotus'' are grown successfully around the world in cultivation. In the wild, they prefer warm day-time temperatures of up to 25 degrees Celsius during the growing season(spring, summer, and the early months of autumn), coupled with cool night-time temperatures. In the cooler months of winter(down to about 5 degrees Celsius), they have a natural dormancy period of about 3-4 months, triggered by the temperature drop and reduced light levels, where they often drastically slow or stop growth altogether. In cultivation, this winter rest is unnecessary and the plants may be grown as any subtropical plant, although dormancy can result in somewhat larger pitchers. [[Image:CephalotusFollicularis2.JPG|thumb|250px|right|''Cephalotus follicularis'': a young plant of about 2-3 years, grown in cultivation.]] Should a grower allow dormancy to occur, it is extremely important that the Albany pitcher plant receive a drastically reduced amount of water, enough to keep the soil just barely damp. This will help to prevent [[disease]]s and [[fungi]] which may set in and rot the [[rhizome]] and roots. Also, it is best to not let the plant freeze over, as this will kill the above ground portion of the plant and possibly the roots, although plants have been known to recover from such harsh conditions. As spring approaches, the plants will produce many non-carnivorous [[Leaf|leaves]], which are thought to aid in [[Photosynthesis|photosynthetic]] processes. In mid-spring, ''Cephalotus follicularis'' will start producing small, fuzzy knob-like structures, which, after a matter of weeks, will inflate and become the season's first set of [[Pitcher plant|pitchers]]. During this period, the growing season, the substrate must be kept damp to moist and never allowed to dry out completely. However, it need be extremely well-drained, to help prevent [[Root rot|root and rhizome rot]]. This is often achieved by the use of the tray method of watering, in which the plant's pot is kept in a 1/4 inch of water or less. The tray may be allowed to dry completely between waterings as a prophylactic measure against root rot. Additionally, watering from the top, at least occasionally, may prevent rot by oxygenating the soil with dissolved O2 and also encourage root proliferation. One grower even recommends the use of an aquarist's airstone to increase the natural level of dissolved O2 in his water, although this is not necessary. ''Cephalotus follicularis'' tolerates many soil types, the most commonly used is a mixture of [[Sphagnum|sphagnum peat moss]], [[perlite]], and [[sand]] used for propagation/horticultural purposes. A reasonable [[humidity]] (60-80%) is also preferred. Too high a humidity will encourage many pests to set in, such as [[Scale insect|scale]], and diseases which cause the plant's crowns to rot. Too low a humidity is not tolerated as often the plant will wilt and close its lid ([[Operculum (botany)|operculum]]). The plants become colourful and grow vigorously when kept in direct sunlight, while plants cultivated in bright shade remain green. [[Biological reproduction|Propagate]] ''Cephalotus follicularis'' through leaf and root [[Cutting (plant)|cuttings]], and, as a much slower method, through [[seed]]. Pinch off the leaves (both carnivorous pitchers and non-carnivorous leaves may be used) from the base of the plant, while trying to keep as much of the whitish base intact as possible. These leaves are then placed upon milled [[Sphagnum|sphagnum moss]] or a mixture of [[Sphagnum|sphagnum peat]]/[[perlite]]/[[sand]]; small amounts of substrate are placed over the whitish base of the leaf. The leaves must receive bright light and remain covered to ensure high humidity. In many weeks plantlets will appear at the base of the leaves. Propagation from root cuttings is similar. Roots and parts of the rhizome can be cut into pieces an inch long and then treated similarly to the leaf cuttings. Propagation through seed is a much slower way, but is possible. Seed must first be [[Stratification (botany)|stratified]], where they are placed in cold, slightly damp conditions for 2-3 months before sowing upon milled sphagnum or a peat/perlite/sand mix in warm conditions, bright light, and high humidity. The seed may take from weeks to months to [[Germination|germinate]], and will be extremely slow growing. ==Footnotes== {{Reflist}} ==References== * {{IUCN2006|assessors={{aut|Conran, J.G.; Lowrie, A. & Leach, G.}}|year=2000|id=39635|title=Cephalotus follicularis|downloaded=11 May 2006}} * {{aut|McAlpine, D.K.}} (1998): Review of the Australian stilt flies (Diptera: Micropezidae) with a phylogenetic analysis of the family. ''Invertebrate Taxonomy'' '''12'''(1): 55-134. <small>{{DOI|10.1071/IT96018}}</small> (HTML abstract) *{{FloraBase|name=''Cephalotus''|id=21494}} *{{cite web | url = http://florabase.calm.wa.gov.au/potm/?y=2008&m=1 | title = ''Cephalotus follicularis '' — Albany Pitcher Plant | accessdate = 2008-03-04 | author = | authorlink = | coauthors = | date = January 2008 | work = Plant of the Month | publisher = [[FloraBase]] | quote = }} * http://www.aqph26.dsl.pipex.com/cephalotusfollip.html * http://www.humboldt.edu/~rrz7001/Franco/CephalotusfollicularisGiant.html * http://www.cobraplant.com/cephalotus.html ==External links== {{commons|Cephalotus follicularis}} {{wikispecies-inline}} * [http://www.aqph26.dsl.pipex.com/index.html All about Cephalotus] * [http://www.botany.org/carnivorous_plants/cephalotus.php Botanical Society of America, ''Cephalotus follicularis'' - the Albany Pitcher Plant] {{CarnivorousPlants}} [[Category:Oxalidales of Australia]] [[Category:Carnivorous plants of Australia]] [[Category:Flora of Western Australia]] [[Category:Monogeneric plant families]] [[Category:Monotypic plant genera]] [[cs:Láčkovice australská]] [[de:Zwergkrug]] [[es:Cephalotaceae]] [[fi:Cephalotus follicularis]] [[fr:Cephalotus follicularis]] [[it:Cephalotus follicularis]] [[ja:フクロユキノシタ]] [[lt:Pūslinis kriauklenis]] [[nl:Cephalotus follicularis]] [[pl:Cephalotus follicularis]] [[pt:Cephalotaceae]] [[vi:Nắp ấm (Úc)]] [[zh:土瓶草科]]