California Natives and Non-Carnivores

weston@hooked.net
Mon, 19 Feb 1996 08:43:36 -0800

I have been volunteering in the nursery at Strybing Arboretum for
several months--working primarily in the California Natives
area--and have recently obtained (enthusiastic) permission to begin
a base collection of native California CPs. Some will go for
placement to the city gardeners, who manage and curate the
arboretum--others will eventually be offered at the (monthly) sales
which support the work of the Arboretum Society. I am also a
general-interest newbie to this hobby; hence my request for info and
support from list members.

Everyone knows of Darlingtonia, of course, and I had been told by
several people I asked that it was the only California native.
However, I notice Schnell lists a number of other possibilities
including some sundews, etc. within his area maps. Can other
Californians comment on your personal experiences? I would
appreciate additional info or direction to readings, etc., that will
allow me to build a small informational data base for interested
members and buyers. I would also appreciate information or direction
to seed, plant stock etc. If any of you find yourselves overblessed
with stock or seedlings, please let me know, and I will try to
arrange something.

The sales of the society are a good way to pick up interesting
plants at very reasonable prices, and offer a great exchange of
information between the volunteers, nursery staff and (very
knowledgable) buyers. Having some CPs and related info available
will be a great chance to increase and nurture interest in this
incredible hobby of ours.

On another front and following the earlier-posted and continuing
thread of the CP look/act-alikes, California locals may wish to
search out the nepenthes look-alike A. californica
(Aristolochia--common name "Dutchman's Pipe"), which is in bloom
now, and should continue for the next month or so. A deciduous vine
which can climb unaided 10-15 feet into trees and shrubs.
Cream-colored blooms are similar to nepenthes pitchers, up to about
2" long and with a distinctive reddish-marked mouth. The traps fill
with water and (whether incects are attracted or not, I don't know)
provide swimming and drowning opportunities for various winged and
crawling insects. A most interesting plant (although not classed as
a CP), and--as I said--available for viewing now if you are hiking
the coastal or Sierra Nevada foothills.

Weston Bielby
weston@hooked.com