It is such a shame that the original artist made it so that the flower stalks don’t match up. It would have been neat to have re-attached them to the top of the plant.
Either way, this is a lovely public domain drawing of a pitcher plant. This carnivorous plant secretes a sweet nectar and store water within its leaves to attract insects. The insects are attracted to the nectar, fall into the water and die. The plant then absorbs/feeds on the insect.
Amazing that what might be seen as a mere plant can have such a sophisticated method to luring prey. These deadly and beautiful plants fascinate me every time I encounter one. Just remember, if you find one in the wild, leave it in its native habitat so that others may enjoy it too.
It was one of many plant images showcased in The Native Flowers and Ferns of the United States. It is a chromolithograph selected by the author Thomas Meehan for his 1880 book. Unfortunately, he did not credit a particular illustrator for creating this colorful flower drawing.
This image is copyright free and in the public domain anywhere that extends copyrights 70 years after death or at least 120 years after publication when the original illustrator is unknown.
