This was one of those crosses I did back in 2009 where I was like, “Well, both plants are flowering so I guess I might as well cross ’em.” I didn’t really know what to expect but pollinated them anyway on a whim. The parent plants are photographed above to help visualise the gene mash up. Here’s a post in 2010 showing a “baby picture” of one of the plants. As noted in that previous post – there has been some question regarding the pod parent (S. rubra ssp. gulfensis “black”). There is some speculation that it is not a pure S. rubra ssp. gulfensis and could have some S. alata mixed into it. However, from what I am told – this particular form of S. rubra hails from the Yellow River area of Florida, and it is doubtful that S. alatas grow that far east. Whatever it is, it’s still pretty cool and I’m loving the dark purple/black shades.
Sarracenia rubra ssp. gulfensis “Black” x “Bug Bat”
This particular seedling above donned a purplish/black color, thanks to it’s mother’s genes. The father (or pollen parent) S. “Bug Bat” has a clear influence on the shape of the pitcher.
Sarracenia rubra ssp. gulfensis “Black” x “Bug Bat”
Another angle of one of the pitchers from the first photos. I enjoy the color of this clone. Really looking forward to what it will do next year.
Sarracenia rubra ssp. gulfensis “Black” x “Bug Bat”
Here’s another clone – not as dark. Not as purple. At least not yet. It also exhibits some of the faint areoles – another influence from S. “Bug Bat”. It currently has this slight orange tint on the hood. Ideally, I’d like that orange to stay as I don’t see it too often in the plants (and I am looking for orange plants to work with for SF Giants inspired plants) – but we’ll see what happens as it matures a bit more. It’s always fun watching the changes as these babies grow.
