Cephalotus

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iCephalotus

Scientific classification

Kingdom:	Plantae
Division:	Magnoliophyta
Class:	Magnoliopsida
Order:	Oxalidales
Family:	Cephalotaceae
Genus:	Cephalotus
Species:	C. follicularis

Binomial name

Cephalotus follicularis
Labill.

Cephalotus distribution

Cephalotus is a monotypic genus of southwest Australian pitcher plants, containing a single carnivorous species Cephalotus follicularis, commonly called the Albany Pitcher Plant, the fly-catcher plant the mocassin plant, or the Western Australian Pitcher Plant.

The plant produces both non-carnivorous and carnivorous leaves, the latter looking something like small green moccasins.

Like many other pitcher plants, the pitcher has a peristome, which is the rim of downward pointing spikes surrounding the pitcher entrance, and a lid (operculum), which prevents excess rainwater from collecting in the pitcher and diluting its digestive enzymes. The operculum has patches of translucent cells which serve to confuse its insect prey by appearing like patches of sky.

The taxonomy of the family Cephalotaceae in the order Saxifragales has been abandoned. In a new, developing system this family comes in a new order (Oxalidales); others place it (probably wrongly) under Rosales.

[edit] Care in cultivation

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.

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 diseases 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 leaves, which are thought to aid in 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 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 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 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, 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). The plants become colourful and grow vigorously when kept in direct sunlight, while plants cultivated in bright shade remain green.

Cephalotus follicularis: a young pitcher.

Propagate Cephalotus follicularis through leaf and root 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 moss or a mixture of 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 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 germinate, and will be extremely slow growing.

[edit] References

Conran et al (2000). Cephalotus follicularis. 2006 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. IUCN 2006. Retrieved on 11 May 2006. Listed as Vulnerable (VU A2ac v2.3)