SARRACENIACEAE - Pitcher Plant Family
Perennial, insectivorous herbs
Leaves alternate, in basal rosette,modified into tubular or vaselike
structures which fill with water and trap insects; water contains
digestive enzymes that break down insects; bottom of pitcher is
smooth, upper part has stiff retrorse hairs
Flowers bisexual,
actinomorphic, solitary on a scape, style
expanded and peltate or umbrella-like
Fruit a loculicidal capsule
with small numerous seeds
3 genera, 15 species
Economic uses - ornamentals
Medicinal uses - used for a wide range of diseases and ailments,
as a tonic, diuretic, and laxative, and to treat small pox
Diagnostic characteristic - leaves modified into vaselike
structure and in basal rosette
IMAGE GALLERY
FLOWERING
PLANT GATEWAY