Lundmosegård Planter.
Cephalotus follicularis:
The genus Cephalotus contains only one species, Cephalotus follicularis. While its small pitchers superficially resemble those of the genus Nepenthes, they are not related. In fact, Cephalotus is not closely related to any other carnivorous plants. Its nearest known relatives include Brunellia (trees found in the Andes, Mexico, and the Caribbean), the family Elaeocarpaceae (shrubs and trees), and Oxalis, commonly known as wood sorrel or shamrock.
Two Types of Leaves
Cephalotus produces two kinds of leaves:
- Photosynthetic leaves, which primarily provide energy for the plant.
- Trap leaves, which capture prey.
At certain times, the plant produces only photosynthetic leaves, while at others, it forms trap leaves. The development of the traps is unique: the lid of the trap grows first, followed by the rest of the structure. This is the opposite of how trumpet pitchers develop, where the process starts from the base.
The Trapping Mechanism
The plant uses hairs and glands on the traps to lure prey and guide them into the trap’s liquid, where they drown. Small “teeth” along the rim of the trap prevent the prey from escaping.
In the wild, Cephalotus primarily feeds on local ants but also captures small wasps, flies, and spiders—its smallest traps are surprisingly effective.
Natural Distribution and Habitat
The plant is found in fragmented populations in the southwestern part of Western Australia, from Nannup in the west to Manypeaks in the east. Historically, it likely had a larger, more connected range, but agriculture and climate change have reduced its habitat to isolated areas.
It grows in peatswamps, often alongside plants like Homalospermum firmum and Melaleuca glaucus. Its total range covers approximately 2,100 hectares, of which only 500 hectares are protected.
The plant has poor dispersal ability, and the isolation between populations may lead to inbreeding, which could further weaken its long-term survival prospects.
Cultivating Cephalotus
The plant is relatively easy to cultivate:
- Temperature: Maintain temperatures between 10–30°C during the growing season and down to 0°C in winter. It can tolerate light frost.
- Pots and Medium: Use spacious pots and a growing medium consisting of neutral sand and unfertilized peat.
- Watering: Avoid stagnant water but keep the medium slightly moist.
- Growth Cycles: Understand that the plant alternates between producing photosynthetic leaves and trap leaves. Avoid disturbing its root system.
Propagation can be done by seed, which is slow, or by leaf cuttings.
Future Projects and Challenges
There is still much to learn about cultivating this unique species:
- How much frost can it tolerate?
- Can it survive outdoors or in an unheated greenhouse?
- How do we preserve genetic diversity in cultivation? Should populations be crossbred, or should we maintain genetic lines through self-pollination?
When Things Go Wrong
Even experienced growers face challenges. But persistence leads to learning. One example: A plant that appeared to have died reemerged months later as a small offshoot at the edge of its pot. It started producing photosynthetic leaves, and now it’s thriving again!
For stunning images of the plant in its natural habitat, visit the website Fierce Flora. It features Cephalotus follicularis along with many other amazing Australian carnivorous plants.
