Kenny Coogan was the speaker for The February 20, 2025 meeting of the Eugenia Chapter of the FNPS. Kenny is Florida’s resident expert on carnivorous plants and passionate about conserving Florida’s natural habitats to protect all flora and fauna.
Kenny easily held the attention of all attendees with his humorous and informative slide show. He provided evolutionary information indicating how Florida’s 34 species of carnivorous plants found their places in specific niches throughout the state. Most of their original habitats have been lost to development or alterations in water flow, so many species are threatened.
Carnivorous plants have different types of feeding mechanisms specific to their species: vase traps, leaf closures, and sticky traps. They are opportunistic feeders for various types of micro and macro fauna such as rotifers or flies. No, we didn’t get to see Kenny feeding any of his plants as seen in the opening photo!
Being flowering plants, carnivorous plants produce beautiful, colorful, uniquely shaped flowers. Since many of the flowers are small and close to the ground, they are easily missed during nature walks. Be “eye” vigilant in carnivorous plant habitats such as bogs and wetlands so you may be rewarded with a plant sighting or even better, one in bloom. The North Sebastian River Conservation Area is a good place to see large “colonies” of glistening pink sundew (Drosera capillaris) plants.
Kenny brought several species of carnivorous plants that were available for sale. It was fun and interesting to see so many of the little “carnivores” in one location and be able to compare the differing characteristics between the species.
Thanks to all who brought plants for our auction, held prior to the speaker presentation. Proceeds from the auctions help to pay speaker costs, purchase educational materials, and pay meeting site fees.
Congratulations to Janet Kistler! She was the winner of our “please sign in to the meeting” campaign. She won an American beautyberry (Callicarpa americana) donated by Allan McCarthy.
ircnativeplants.org 