Cobra Lily

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Cobra Lily

Cobra Lily (Darlingtonia california). This insectivorous plant produces a sweet smelling nectar to attract insects. Once an insect enters the mouth of the lily, it is unable to find an exit. Instead, the insect is forced to the back of the head of the lily by backward-pointing hairs, where the wall of the plant is smooth and slippery. The insect falls into a liquid at the bottom of the lily which contains digestive juices. Insects provide the plants with nitrogen, which is lacking from the soils that the plants grow in. The Cobra Lily is so called because the adult plants look like a cobra about to strike its prey

Science Photo Library features Science and Medical images including photos and illustrations

Media ID 6290175

© DUNCAN SMITH/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY

Carnivorous Cobra Lily Insectivorous Modified

EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases the mesmerizing beauty of the Cobra Lily (Darlingtonia california), a unique and fascinating insectivorous plant. Its enchanting appearance, resembling a cobra poised to strike its prey, is truly remarkable. The Cobra Lily lures unsuspecting insects with its sweet-smelling nectar, acting as an irresistible trap. Once inside the mouth of the lily, these unfortunate creatures find themselves trapped due to backward-pointing hairs that prevent their escape. Helplessly pushed towards the back of the lily's head, they encounter a smooth and slippery surface where there is no way out. Ultimately, these hapless insects fall into a liquid pool at the bottom of the plant—a concoction containing potent digestive juices. This macabre yet ingenious mechanism allows the Cobra Lily to obtain vital nitrogen from its captured prey since it thrives in soil lacking this essential nutrient. This botanical marvel serves as a testament to nature's incredible adaptations and survival strategies. The modified structure of this single biological wonder not only captivates our imagination but also highlights nature's ingenuity in finding innovative ways to thrive in challenging environments. Through this stunning print by Science Photo Library, we are reminded of both nature's beauty and complexity—where even seemingly innocent plants can reveal astonishing secrets about their carnivorous tendencies and intricate relationships with other organisms within their ecosystem.

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