Bloody Mary Pitcher Plant, Nepenthes mirabilis 'Bloody Mary'

Nepenthes mirabilis, a tropical plant from Southeast Asia, is a wonderful (mirabilis) version of the pitcher plant, or nepenthes (“no sorrow” in Greek), a name that invokes a magical potion Helen gave Telemachus (Odysseus’ son) to cope with his father’s absence. Though the insects (and spirits) that fall into the cups for digestion might formally disagree, some sources suggest this plant used to be used to treat anything from hangovers to toothaches. However, more apt to its regular victims, this plant reflects its murderous tendencies over time, growing vibrantly red pitchers as it matures.