What sort of plant is this?

[Dave Evans]

Dear Forum,

It is just me, or is Cephalotus the only succulent Carnivorous Plant?

[Joseph Clemens]

Dave,
What do you mean when you call Cephalotus a succulent?

[Dave Evans]

The fleshiness of the flat leaves reminds me a lot of plants typically referred to as Succulents, like jade and less so Aloe vera.

While Pinguicula from Mexico can produce succulent-like winter leaves, they are only "succulent-like". Cephalotus appears much more like a true succulent to me...

[bluemax]

Hmmm, cephs as a succulent is an interesting idea. They are thick and fleshy-leaved and these do seem to hold a large amount of water as plants go. Despite the characteristics of form that are shared with other genera of pitcher plants they are a really unique organism. Is there an argument to be made for them having evolved on an alien planet?

[peterhewitt]

While Cephalotus may appear to be a succulent, it lacks the mechanisms of water Storage present in true succulents. These plants are always close to water and would die if kept anywhere near as dry as you would an Aloe plant. Succulets have evolved to survive arid regions by various mechanisms. If you break open the leaf of a true succulent you will find a thick glutenous substance which aids in water retention when coupled with regulating stomata. These are cells that open and close in the skin of succulent plants allowing the retention or absorption of fluids.
Cephalotus lacks these regulating Stomata, which is why they need to be kept in certain Humidity parameters. Since I come from a country where succulents dominate.. Cephalotus does not look like one to me.
Obviously...., my opinion.

[simran]

You mean to say Cephalotus is a plant which grow always in moist area or the area where proper storage of water..This is great info for me...I was not aware of it. Thanks a ton..