WHAT ARE HELIAMPHORA
Heliamphora or Sun Pitchers are related to American Pitcher Plants (Sarracenia) and Cobra Lily plant (Darlingtonia). They are perennial plants and grow on the cool and mysterious mountains of the “tepuis”. They produce simple, stiff and brittle bell-shaped pitchers that look like a rolled-up leaf joined by a seam at the front. The pitcher bears a small spoon-like lid positioned over the pitcher mouth. Nectar is produced at the lid to attract insect. This is known as the nectar spoon.
The upper interior walls of the pitchers are covered in fine, bristly, downward-pointing hairs just like American Pitcher Plants.
HOW DO THEY CAPTURE INSECTS
Insects are attracted to the traps by the vivid colors of the pitcher and nectar. Insects will land on the nectar spoon to feast on the nectar. Occasionally, an insect slips and fall into the water in the pitcher. The downward-pointing hairs prevent the insect from climbing out.
WHERE CAN I FIND HELIAMPHORA
Sun Pitchers are found on the remote tabletop mountains in the Guayana Highlands of Southern Venezuela and northern Brazil. The habitat is about 6000-8000 feet above sea level. These cold tropical forests in the clouds are home to many strange species of life. The climate is harsh with frequent strong wind and rain, thunder and lighting. Night temperatures can reach the freezing mark.
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