D. califorica does seem to often have about an inch in the bottom, but
once that inch is filled, most insects are just kept moist I suspect.
Bob
On Sun, 4 Jun 1995, Clarke Brunt wrote:
> > I have observed the same thing in my greenhouse. It seems that
> > when they catch a lot of flies quickly there is not enough
> > pitcher fluid to cover the insects so either:
>
> The pitchers on my Sarracenias certainly get so full that insects
> are way above any fluid that might be in there. How far up a pitcher
> might you expect fluid to come? Does anyone add water to their
> pitchers? I know that the lids on some species make a fairly good
> cover from rain, but does it rain where they grow, and does it get
> into the pitchers? You'd need pretty clever rain to get into a
> Darlingtonia though (opening points downwards, in case anyone doesn't
> know).
>
> Another question came up the other day. I was saying how easy it was
> to germinate Sarracenia seed provided it was chilled was a while.
> Someone asked "Why? Surely it doesn't get cold where they grow".
> I didn't really know, so how cold does it get in Sarracenia habitats?
>
> --
> Clarke Brunt (clarke@brunt.demon.co.uk)
>