Heliamphora

Morphological Summary

Genus of 23 species of South American pitcher plants endemic to the tepuis of Venezuela, Guyana, and Brazil (Roraima). Considered evolutionarily the most primitive pitcher plants. Pitchers are simple tubes with a peristome (rim) and a nectar "spoon" at the base of the lid. They do not produce their own digestive enzymes. Live on the isolated summits of tepuis, with high humidity, low temperature, and very poor soils. Great interest among botanists and specialized growers.