Heliamphora

Heliamphora , commonly called suncup plant , is a truly fascinating and unique carnivorous plant.

Main features:

• Cup-shaped pitchers : The leaves are transformed into cup-shaped tubular pitchers that collect rainwater and insects inside them.
• Nectar Spoon : At the tip of each pitcher is a small structure called a “spoon,” which secretes nectar and attracts prey.
• Passive capture : The insects, attracted by the nectar, slip inside the pitcher and are unable to escape due to the smooth walls and the liquid present.
• Origins : Heliamphora are native to the highlands of Venezuela, Guyana and Brazil, in mountainous and foggy environments.
• Appearance : They have an elegant appearance, with erect green pitchers that often take on red hues under strong light.

Why is it so fascinating?

• Capture strategy : Unlike snap or sticky traps, Heliamphora uses a passive but ingenious system, exploiting gravity and rainwater.
• Extremely adaptable : It is able to survive in nutrient-poor mountain environments, with acidic soils and harsh conditions.
• Natural elegance : The tall, colorful pitchers make it an ornamental plant much appreciated by collectors.

Where does he live?

Heliamphora is native to the tepuis , the table mountains of Venezuela, Guyana and Brazil, habitats characterised by high altitudes, constant fog and heavy rainfall.

Why exactly there?

• Poor soil : It grows on quartzite and peaty substrates, extremely poor in nutrients, which have pushed the plant to develop carnivorous pitchers to supplement its diet.
• Climate : The habitat is cool, humid and very rainy, with cloudy days and temperatures that rarely exceed 25°C, ideal conditions for this species.