Seasonal Growth and Mortality of the Pitchers of the Albany Pitcher Plant, Cephalotus follicularis Labill

Abstract

Growth, size and mortality of pitchers, and volume of their fluid contents were examined in the endemic Albany pitcher plant Cephalotus follicularis in relation to exposure, and age of the pitchers, and the time of year. C. follicularis had its growth season in spring and summer, between late October and February. Mortality was greatest in 'Year 2 or Older' pitchers, and greater in exposed pitchers in both age classes. The highest mortality was recorded between December and February. The pitchers opened when growth had finished, and their size was independent of age and year. There was no difference in size between sheltered localities, but one exposed locality had pitchers that were significantly larger than those of other localities. The pitchers contained fluid during development while the lid was closed which suggested that, initially, the fluid was a plant secretion. There was a significant difference in fluid volumes between shaded and exposed pitchers in late summer but these differences did not exist in spring following the winter rains.