Florida's Carnivorous Plants: Understanding, Identifying, and Cultivating the State's Native Species - Paperback

by Kenny Coogan (Author)

Learn about Florida's endemic carnivorous plants in this exciting book written for the budding naturalist and hobbyist. Florida has dozens of native species of carnivorous plants--more than any other state in the United States--including sundews, butterworts, bladderworts, and pitcher plants. These plants use appealing scents, leaves, and sticky fluids to trap and imprison insects. Digestive fluids then absorb the prey giving the plant its nutrients. Many of these plants can be grown at home in the backyard, in rain gardens, or in some cases on the windowsill.

Florida's Carnivorous Plants provides an identification and growing guide for the major genera of carnivorous plants found in Florida. Each species description includes etymology, a history of the plant's discovery highlighting diverse scientists, anatomy, habitat range, and popular cultivars for beginners. Tables include soil requirements, types of potting, water level, amount of light, dormancy and temperature requirements, and propagation tips. A glossary provides readers with the tools to learn botanical jargon to improve their identification skills.

Author Biography

Kenny Coogan has a master's degree in Global Sustainability and is passionate about Florida's wildlife and plants. His professional experience with carnivorous plants started in 2011 when he cofounded the Western New York Carnivorous Plant club. He has published over 400 articles on pets, livestock, and gardening for publications including Countryside, Hobby Farms, Chickens, Backyard Beekeeping, Backyard Poultry, and Florida Gardening magazines. Coogan is an active member with the International Carnivorous Plant Society. He currently runs a successful carnivorous plant nursery in Tampa, Florida.