Weather Diary, Jan 25: Hi 44, Low 36/ Precip trace
All material © 2009-2021 by Loree Bohl for danger garden. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited and just plain rude.
Tuesday, January 26, 2021
Carnivorous close-ups
As I mentioned when I shared the photos I took in Evan's garden (here), I desperately need to figure out the finer points of taking photos with my COVID camera (so called because I purchased it as lockdown took place last spring, and then didn't touch it for months). One afternoon recently the sun and shadows provided such strong lighting conditions it was a fun time to work with it. Here is a Darlingtonia californica pitcher. 
The windows that confuse and exhaust the plant's victims "if I try just a little bit harder I'm sure I can get out this way..." are evident all across the top of the pitcher.
Moving to the sarracenia you can see the downward pointing hairs that make it difficult for the prey to climb out of the pitchers. Slide down so easily, then fight your way back out...
I did a brief search to learn if the water that fills the pitchers in a strong rain plays a part in the process, but couldn't find anything to substantiate the idea.
Please speak up if you know. I swear I once read something about the reflection encouraging victims to take the plunge.
These are such interesting plants.
I count myself lucky to be able grow them.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Beautiful photographs.
ReplyDeleteMaybe the reflective "pools" are for contemplation...
And I wonder, what do flies contemplate?
DeleteVery nice photos, your camera certainly can capture fine details! Carnivorous plants, pretty plants with a sinister edge, it’s so easy to get into them!
ReplyDeleteI find that's about all it wants to do is capture fine details, forget the overall panoramic shots.
DeleteVery artistic closeup photos!
ReplyDeleteThey are such interesting plants!
DeleteThese are amazing photos ! It s no wonder they "lure" their victims in with ease, that reflecting pool could be a separate post all on it's own. The mechanics of these plants are so interesting .. you caught the "hairs" so well !
ReplyDeleteI was really surprised to see the detail of the hairs... so cool!
DeleteThey are absolutely lovely, but I must admit when I quickly looked at the title of your post, I first thought I read, "Coronavirus Close Up". Must be my old age dyslexia kicking in.
ReplyDeleteOr just the pressure we're all under.
DeleteDeathtraps, ha! Great macros, Loree.
ReplyDeleteThanks Eliza!
Deletekind of a cross between Georgia OKeefe & and that artist (whose name escapes me) who did all the vagina paintings.
ReplyDeleterickii
Great close up photos! Have been researching carnivorous plants for a talk. Sarracenias produce an akeloid toxin called Coniine. It's similar to poison hemlock which killed Socrates. Trivia for the day.
ReplyDelete