Description of Sarracenia alata var. rubrioperculata - Red Lid (De Soto National Forest, Mississippi) A3 MK
Sarracenia alata var. rubrioperculata – Red Lid (De Soto National Forest, Mississippi) A3 MK is a red-lidded location form recorded in Mike King’s collection as A3.
The upright pitchers have green to yellow-green tubes crossed by fine red-purple veins. These markings form a loose network on the outside, then become stronger inside the opening. Long maroon lines extend up the throat, leaving pale green strips between them. The narrow, rolled lip stays mainly green.
The hood curves forward over the mouth, with a broad outline and slightly lifted margins. Its underside carries a deep burgundy-red wash that covers most of the surface. This concentration of red pigment on the lid is the defining feature of Sarracenia var. rubrioperculata, rather than dark colouring throughout the whole tube.
Where the lid meets the throat, the solid colour breaks into separate veins. Green tissue remains visible between these markings, creating a clear transition from the dark hood to the lighter interior below. View the pitcher from just beneath the lid to see this change in colour most clearly.
In spring, A3 MK produces pale yellow to yellow-green flowers. Broad petals hang beneath green sepals, and the curved stalk gives each bloom a nodding position.
Plant photos above are of our Sarracenia alata var. rubrioperculata - Red Lid (De Soto National Forest, Mississippi) A3 MK mother plants. Divisions are taken from the mother plants and are planted into 9cm pots to be sold. Division sizes can vary greatly and will always be sent largest first. If you'd like to know the size of a plant before ordering, please feel free to contact us.