I was introduced to local CP by Mr. J.C. Moore (a real character
who wrote of his travels in CPN). I wandered around back roads in
those states exploring every wet area I could. Although it was
quite some time ago, I still have vivid memories (& photos) of
the large stands of CP (S. leuco in Alabama, S. alata in
Mississippi, & S. flava in Northern Florida) and the hidden
Pings, Drosera and S. rubra & psittacina tucked away in the bogs.
It always intrigued me to search an area to find the different
plants in the drier or wetter microclimates or just hidden among
the larger stuff. Since I moved back up north, I've done only a
little trekking in local bogs and some of the NJ pine barrens.
Recently there has been some discussion about the Exyra moth on
the listserver. I remember despising these creatures. In many
local CP stands, these moths would mutilate 60-100% of mature CP.
I often wondered how the plants survived with bent over pitchers
or holes in their side that greatly restricted their ability to
catch insects.
I now have a small outdoor bog w/some Sarracenia (S. purpurea,
rubra, & flava (red lid) and Drosera (D. rotundifolia))that I'm
slowly trying to expand. I also summer my Cephalotus in the bog.
About three years ago I left all of my plants outside for the
winter and was rewarded in the spring w/ about 90% dead plants.
Before that winter I had most of the Sarracenia species (S.
leuco, flava (several variations), psittacina, alata, rubra,
minor (normal & Okefenokee), over 100 VFTs, some Drosera
(intermedia, capillaris, filiformis, brevifolia...)and a few
Darlingtonia.
I'm now rebuilding my collection from 9 year old seed
(refrigerator stored). I never thought any would germinate but,
by species, the germination rate is ranging from approx. 4% to
over 80%. Other than the S. purpurea, I now dig all of the plants
and store them in my refrigerator. This is a pain and causes
considerable family strife. I'd really like to find a 'safe' way
of overwintering CP that require a dormant period (anybody who
lives north of NJ have any suggestions?). It seems like I need
winter temperatures below 40F and above 20F. Other thoughts:
* I have some concern over the large amount of hybridization
occurring in private collections. As the native populations get
raped, personnel collections take on more importance. It would be
a shame to have only unusual hybrid variations for future
generations of admirers. (I don't want to start a war on this
subject but I've noticed some (non-cp) nurseries only sell
hybrids).
* I've read how stands of CP are being obliterated (particularly
VFT's in the Green Swamp & S. oreophila everywhere) due to greed
and ignorance. Is this a significant trend throughout the south?
It makes me sad to think the stands of CP I've walked through may
no longer be there.
* I'd be interested in buying or trading for other CP (not real
difficult stuff yet).
* If anyone is interested in my old Sarracenia seed, for postage,
you can have some.
* Note added later: I went to bring my plants in for the winter
and found that a burrowing critter had eaten my Cephalotus, Drosera and some
of the Sarracenia.
Ron Lane
whirlabout@aol.com