Cobra Lily

Cobra Lily Facts

• Firstly, the highly descriptive term Cobra Lily serves as the image-creating common name of a fascinating plant. In fact, the name represents the term very often used for a rather unique variety of carnivorous plant.
• Secondly, and truly unfortunately, it remains considered rather uncommon in the wild. Furthermore, it has a highly limited and specific habitat range. Nevertheless, the IUCN presently lists it as a species of Least Concern.
• Quite understandably, the common name of the species derives from its unique physical appearance. That holds true due to the fact that it bears a strong resemblance of the leaves of the plant to a cobra preparing to strike.
• Rather mysteriously, the precise method of pollination of this species in the wild still remains completely unknown to researchers. That’s because there has yet to be an organized study of this facet of the remarkable species.
• Although the IUCN does not consider the Cobra Lily to be threatened at this time, that could change in the near future. Much as countless other species around the world, it now faces the growing threat posed by climate change.

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Cobra Lily Physical Description

Regardless of its fascinating appearance, the rather astonishing Cobra Lily ranks as a moderate-sized variety of carnivorous plant. That’s because specimens sometimes attain a height of about 33 in (85 cm). However, most individuals remain smaller.

In addition, each individual member of the species produces several  hollow leaves, with no stalks. As these develop, they grow to the same approximate length as the single flower. This feature, in turn, the plant produces atop a relatively thick stalk.

Furthermore, the leaves themselves most commonly develop as a somewhat light green in color. But, these also appear streaked with numerous blood-red vein-like features. These only serve to further add to the eerie appearance of the Cobra Lily.

Additionally, the remarkable leaves also display a dark, purplish-red appendage at the tip. Many people consider this part of the plant to resemble the forked tongue of a snake. All these only further enhance the resemblance to its namesake.

• Kingdom: Plantae
• Phylum: Angiosperms
• Class: Eudicots
• Order: Ericales
• Family: Sarraceniaceae
• Genus: Darlingtonia
• Species: D. californica

Cobra Lily Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology

Sadly, the extremely amazing Cobra Lily possesses an extremely limited range of habitation. That’s because this wonder of Nature only grows in the wild in certain portions of California and Oregon, in the United States, in North America.

Even more specific, however, remains the unique habitat requirement of the astonishing carnivorous species. That holds true due to the fact that it also only grows in seeps and bogs with cold running water and highly nutrient-poor soils.

Further, as with its many related species, the Cobra Lily also augments its limited ability to draw nourishment from the soil. This the amazing product of evolution accomplishes by gaining nourishment from insects it succeeds in trapping and digesting.

However, its uniqueness presents itself in yet another way. That’s because this species differs from all other pitcher plants in the Americas in one respect. That’s because it does not trap rainwater in its pitcher. Instead, it draws it from the roots.

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