Close-up of a specimen of a pitcher plant (Sarracenia purpurea), ca.1920

Photograph of a close-up of a specimen of a pitcher plant (Sarracenia purpurea), ca.1920. The "pitcher" of the plant is shown to the right, severed from its stalk, whle a second pod is shown extending out on an s-shaped stem to the left. A neutral background can be seen behind.; "A plant that eats meat to obtain food has always intrigued the imagination of people. Fortunately, the pitcher plant is only a few inches tall and is only a threat to insects that come to explore the red-meat-looking interior. The plant grows in boggy areas and has tube shaped leaves that collect water and contains a mixture of chemicals that dissolves the bodies of insects that become trapped inside. The fluids are then absorbed into the plant as food. The pitchers are green on the outside and red on the inside. Hairs in the interior point downward so that insects that enter the pitcher has a very hard time getting out. The hairs push the insects farther down until they land in the acidic fluids." -- unknown author.