False Asphodel (Triantha) General Information

        The False Asphodel, or Triantha, is the most recently discovered plant genus that turns out is carnivorous. This is remarkable, as Triantha represents both a holocarnivore and a carnivorous grass! Holocarnivores are plants that are only carnivorous during their flowering phase. Carnivorous monocots are quite rare and only through genetic analysis did Botanists come to the conclusion that Triantha is indeed a true carnivore. Due to only being a carnivore during the flower portion of the plant's lifecycle, this genus has been often overlooked by carnivorous hobbyist for quite some time. Notably, Triantha has been used as a bog companion plant in some Sarracenia gardens for many years. Isn't it interesting how carnivorous plants can sneak into horticulture unnoticed!

 

Etymology

        Triantha is an interesting word, one with which I've found little solid leads on the etymology of. So, this would be my interpretation, and take it with a grain of salt. Tri, means three, antha is likely referring to the anthers. Triantha produce flowers that have 6 anthers that form in clusters of three. Occidentalis means “of the (or pertaining to the) west” for the known carnivorous species, Glutinosa refers to the mucilage of that species, Japonica to the fact that species is found in Japan, and Racemosa refers to the recemes of the flower for that species.

 

Habitat & Behavior

        The habitat of Triantha is characterized by wet soils, high humidity, and moderate to high light levels. Triantha plants are typically found growing in areas with standing water or near the margins of streams, ponds, and other wetlands. They are often associated with other wetland species such as sedges, rushes, and ferns, as well as carnivorous plants like sundews and pitcher plants.

        The soil in Triantha's habitat is typically acidic and nutrient-poor, with a high organic content. This type of soil is common in wetlands and is usually saturated with water for much of the year. The high humidity in Triantha's habitat is due to the presence of standing water, as well as the evaporation of water from the soil and the plants themselves.

        Triantha plants are adapted to their wetland habitat in several ways. They have long, thin leaves that allow them to capture as much light as possible, and they often grow in dense clusters to reduce competition for resources. Their roots are adapted to grow in saturated soils, and they are able to tolerate periods of flooding as well as drought.

 

Issues Facing Genus

        Triantha faces many of the same issues of other carnivorous plants, but without the direct support of the public conscience. As an often overlooked bog grass, the entire genus is disregarded when developers purchase land. To add to the problem, Triantha was only recently discovered to be carnivorous. Thankfully, the genus has protections in the more sparse portions of their ranges, being designated as State threatened.

 

Section Breakdown

        Triantha exists in the family Tofieldiaceae, which has a rocky history. This genus was bounced around several times between Nartheciaceae, Liliaceae, and Melanthiaceae. Genetic analysis established the family of Tofieldiaceae and Triantha was placed in it. What is intriguing about Triantha, is that it represents one of the few carnivorous monocots. The majority of carnivorous plants are dicots, meaning they sprout with two leaves. This is a huge evolutionary distinction demonstrating that Triantha is much more removed from the other extant species of carnivorous plants.

 

Lifecycle

        Triantha begins its lifecycle in the spring, when new shoots emerge from the rhizomes of mature plants. These shoots grow rapidly, producing a rosette of leaves that are usually lance-shaped. As the plants continue to grow, they produce flowering stems that easily dwarfs the foliage.

        The flowers of Triantha are small and white, and are produced in terminal clusters or panicles. Each flower has six tepals and six stamens, and is pollinated by a variety of insects, including bees and flies. After fertilization, the flowers produce small, green capsules that contain several small seeds.

        As the growing season progresses, the leaves and stems of Triantha begin to die back, and the plants enter a period of dormancy. During this time, the plants store nutrients and energy in their rhizomes, which remain underground and protected from the harsh winter weather.

        In the following spring, as the weather warms and the days begin to lengthen, the rhizomes of Triantha send up new shoots, and the cycle begins again. Over time, the plants may form dense colonies, with new shoots arising from the edges of the rhizomes and spreading outwards.