Field Trip: Zoo Atlanta

Sarracenia leucophylla

The day after my somewhat disappointing visit to Atlanta Botanical Gardens, I visited Zoo Atlanta. There, much to my surprise, I found a large clump of Sarracenia leucophylla along with a few other clumps of Sarracenia. I assume these were originally obtained from the Atlanta Botanical Garden, but I'm not sure.

Sarracenia leucophylla
Sarracenia alata

By far, the most prominently displayed species was Sarracenia leucophylla. Of the two locations with carnivores, it was present at both. Still, there was a good mix of other species, including a few of most every species except oreophila, purpurea, and psittacenia.

Sarracenia x formosa
(Sarracenia psittacenia x minor)

It was very neat to see carnivorous plants get some attention at a place which is known more for its animals than plants. (Speaking of animals, I thought it was a pretty good zoo, as far as those go. We managed to get there right at the morning feeding, so all the animals were up and about).

Sarracenia x formosa flowers

Perhaps the neatest flowers of the Sarrs present were these Sarracenia x formosa flowers. I really loved the contrast between the red petals and yellow body. So vibrant!

Sarracenia flava (top)
Sarracenia leucophylla (bottom)

I also appreciated the diversity of the plants near the reptile house. The variety of plants was quite nice, although I do wish that there were more (of course).

Sarracenia flava

Among the plants at the reptile house, I really liked this flava. It was a very nice specimen.

Sarracenia leucophylla

But the highlight of the zoo had to be the large clump of Sarracenia leucophylla in the carnivore exhibit. The total clump was about four feet by three feet and seemed to hold a few different clones, but all were wonderful plants.

Sarracenia leucophylla

Seeing this made me miss my visits to the Gulf Coast when I was younger. Fields of leucos could be found then, and they were quite wonderful to behold. There's nothing quite like a leuco with a nice white top and clean, contrasting veining.

Sarracenia leucophylla flower

And the red flowers! Those too are glorious! The dark reds are a wonderful sight to behold.

Sarracenia leucophylla 'Tarnok' flower

It was also nice to see the flower of Sarracenia leucophylla 'Tarnok' among the regular leucos.

Sarracenia leucophylla

Overall, I was very happy to see some Sarracenia in Atlanta, since that was really my main motivator for visiting. I just wish that it had been at the Botanical Gardens instead of the Zoo, and I had really been wishing for more.