Darlingtonia californica in its natural habitat

Darlingtonia californica is one of the most sought-after carnivorous plants; it fascinates with the astonishing and complex morphology of its trap leaves. A member of the UK carnivorous plant enthusiasts’ forum travelled to Oregon to see it in its natural habitat, which covers an area barely larger than an average region in France. As its name suggests, the plant is also found in a few locations in northern California.

The very rainy day on which these images were taken is no exception, as this area receives very high annual rainfall. However, the plants’ roots do not sit in water, as the soil is mainly rocky, so the water drains away easily… at least at the first site visited!

A little further up, the two walkers discovered a population of partially submerged plants. Naturally, the water circulates, and its oxygenation is ensured by the vegetation-covered stream that flows into it. This is therefore not easily replicated in cultivation…