Nice pitchers:
We first visited the Georgia site, the only place in the state
where Sarracenia oreophila is known to occur. On a previous visit to the site I was uniquely
unimpressed by the quality of the plant population. However, this must have been due to a trick in the season and the
competing vegetation. This time, I was pleased to see that the plants were in good shape with many pitchers and flowers.
Here is
another image of a pitcher for your pleasure.
I very clearly recall taking these photographs. I was lying down in the
vegetation, photographing the plants while brushing off the occasional tick. When I was finished, I stood up too quickly
and experienced a big head rush from rising too rapidly. As I dazed in my wobbly state, I startled what I think was
a large black rat snake (Elaphe obsoleta obsoleta), which exploded into a frenzy of ropy madness
at my feet!
Fortunately, I had a spare set of pants in my car.