Field Trip: UNC Chapel Hill

UNC Chapel Hill's Sarracenia Display

Longtime carnivorous plant collectors will know of Dr. Larry Mellichamp, the famed Sarracenia hybridizer, who is largely responsible for UNC Chapel Hill's collection of Sarracenia. Nearly a decade ago (or more), I was privileged to be able to stop by on a trip through North Carolina and snap a few photos of UNC's wonderful collection.

Some Sarracenia hybrids in the garden

I was really impressed with many of the Sarracenia hybrids, some of which were so complicated that it would be nearly impossible to replicate them. Unfortunately, I didn't have enough time (or film) to capture all the plants that I liked, but I did get a few.

A dark S. alata (hybrid?) that caught my eye

I was particularly struck by this Sarracenia alata (hybrid?) (it's hard to make out) because it had such dark coloration. Back then, the number of extremely dark plants in cultivation was minuscule. Now, of course, they're still rare, but not as rare. I remember taking this picture after being fascinated by the nearly black throat of this plant.

Unfortunately, I don't have more photographs of my visit, but these three are certainly more than enough to make me want to revisit the display some time.