Cobra Lily Collection

Venus fly trap
Illustration of a venus fly trap

Cobra lily or musashi abumi, Arisaema ringens. Handcoloured lithograph from Louis van Houtte
FLO4627322 Cobra lily or musashi abumi, Arisaema ringens. Handcoloured lithograph from Louis van Houtte and Charles Lemaire's Flowers of the Gardens and Hothouses of Europe

Cobra Lily (Chasmanthe floribunda), Cape Town, South Africa, Africa

Purple pitcher plant, northern pitcher plant, or side-saddle flower(Sarracenia purpurea)
Illustration of a Purple pitcher plant, northern pitcher plant, or side-saddle flower(Sarracenia purpurea)

California pitcher plant, cobra lily, or cobra plant (Darlingtonia californica)
Illustration of a California pitcher plant, cobra lily, or cobra plant (Darlingtonia californica)

Cobra Lily (Chasmanthe floribunda) in flower. Photographed in western Cape, South Africa

Cobra Lily (Darlingtonia californica) flowering, growing in boggy area at edge of lake, Castle Lake, Klamath Mountains, Northern California, U.S.A. july

Cobra lily (Arisaema candidissimum) flower

Cobra lily (Darlingtonia californica) insectivorous pitcher plant. Photographed in the Klamath mountains, northern California, USA

Cobra lilies (Darlingtonia californica). These are insectivorous pitcher plants. Photographed in the Klamath mountains, northern California, USA

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

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The cobra lily, also known as the Venus fly trap of South Africa, is a fascinating plant species found in Cape Town. With its unique and captivating appearance, it belongs to the genus Chasmanthe floribunda. But the cobra lily doesn't stand alone in its intriguing nature; it shares similarities with other carnivorous plants like the purple pitcher plant (Sarracenia purpurea) and California pitcher plant (Darlingtonia californica). These plants are commonly referred to as side-saddle flowers or cobra lilies due to their striking resemblance to a coiled snake ready to strike. In July, when these Cobra Lilies bloom, they create a mesmerizing sight. Whether growing in boggy areas on Mount Eddy in the Klamath Mountains of California or at the edge of Castle Lake in Northern California's scenic landscape, their vibrant colors and intricate structures never fail to captivate observers. One particular variety that stands out is Arisaema candidissimum. Its elegant white blooms add an ethereal touch to any garden or natural setting where it thrives. The Darlingtonia californica species takes center stage among all Cobra Lilies with its distinct hooded structure resembling a menacing serpent's head. Found predominantly in boggy areas across Northern California and Oregon, this carnivorous beauty attracts insects into its hollow tube-like leaves filled with digestive enzymes. As we explore these various Cobra Lily species from different corners of the world, one thing remains constant – their ability to lure unsuspecting prey into their deadly traps. Nature truly showcases its wonders through these remarkable plants that have evolved such extraordinary adaptations for survival. So next time you come across a Cobra Lily while wandering through marshy landscapes or exploring botanical gardens, take a moment to appreciate their awe-inspiring beauty and marvel at how Mother Nature continues to surprise us with her creations.