Venezuela: Mt Roraima – Roraima Carnivorous Pitcher Plants

One of the most bizarre and unusual plants found on top of Mount Roraima is the Heliamphora Nutans aka Marsh Pitcher Plant. The species is endemic to the tepui Roraima mountaintop and is absolutely stunning in appearance and function. The beautiful large white and red flowers attract pollinating insects. Once pollination is complete, the insects sit on the tubular leaves and almost instantaneous slide inside into a pitcher-like depth where instead of water sits a plant-produced enzymatic digestive mixture. Insects – kaput! The plants look totally surreal and otherworldly, as if they came straight from Avatar’s Pandora or some nearby planet. Observing these plants was one of the most incredible of many incredible experiences on top of Roraima.