We described pitcher ontogeny for Sarracenia purpurea grown under controlled conditions. Fifteen pitchers were observed in a chamber with 14h:10h photoperiod, 23C:15C temperature regime, and >60% relative humidity. Measurements of pitcher length began when pitchers reached 1cm (Day 0) and continued daily for 45 days. Pitchers exhibited sigmoid growth, reaching maximum size (mean = 8.3cm, std. error = 0.39) after 26 days. On average, pitchers opened on Day 23, formed the nectar roll by Day 27, and visibly produced nectar by Day 34. Nectar accumulated in viscous, sweet globules on the pitcher. A second goal was to measure activity of digestive enzymes in newly opened pitchers. Prior to opening, individual pitchers were covered with sterile plastic bags. After opening, several pitchers received small quantities of "ant soup", i.e., ants placed in distilled water and autoclaved to sterilize the soup and denature any enzymes present in the ant. After 1-3 days pitcher fluid was analyzed for activity of proteases and acid phosphatase and was plated onto several kinds and pHs of agar to check for presence of bacteria. Acid phosphatase was present in pitcher fluid even when agar plates showed no bacterial growth. As yet, we have been unable to find protease activity in the absence of bacteria. We concluded that pitchers of Sarracenia purpurea are capable of producing acid phosphatase and potentially other enzymes. Digestion in these pitchers is not entirely dependent on the inhabitants of the aquatic ecosystem in the pitcher.

Key words: acid phosphatase, carnivorous plant, digestive enzyme, ontogeny, pitcher plant, Sarracenia purpurea