- First described
- 2024
- Type
- single clone locality selection
- Cultivar
- 'golden Yellow'
Origin
A St. Tammany Parish, LA wild-source alata that ages traps to a distinct golden-yellow cast — uncommon for the species. Mike noticed the clone late in the previous season (when traps had already begun browning), then divided and propagated it the following year to test trait stability. The propagated divisions confirmed the color in their first season, proving the trait is genetic rather than just a microsite artifact.
A sister clone from the same St. Tammany population shows a milder version of the same trait, but is less impressive.
Standout traits
- Traps yellow as they age — atypical aging pattern.
- Held color after division and across at least 3 documented seasons.
- Sun is required; shaded portions of trap stay greener.
Cultivation notes
Same outdoor NorCal conditions as the rest of Mike's alata trays. Slow seasons (2025-12 example) still produce coloration but on a delayed timeline. Mahlon (forum member) reported flowering in 2026 — opens the door for a possible breeding project.
Standout traits
- Traps yellow as they age — atypical aging pattern, gives a 'golden' cast.
- Stood out among same-population clones grown under identical soil and environment — only one other clone from the same locality showed the trait, and not as strongly.
- Confirmed multi-year color expression: held the trait after division and propagation, suggesting strong genetic component.
- Sun-exposed trap surfaces yellow; shaded portions stay greener.
- Possibly slightly green-faced in some traps (under-shaded surface) — Mike to investigate further.
Cultivation
Color expression confirmed across:
- Multiple seasons in the original plant
- Propagated divisions, in their first year — proving the trait holds independent of the original mother plant's specific microsite
- Late-2025 update: a bit slow to color up that season but coming on
Sun is required for full expression; shade leaves portions green.
Photos (17)
Naming
Descriptive: 'golden Yellow' — traps progressively turn yellow as they age, producing a golden cast distinct from the species norm.