The pitcher plant is a genus of about 30-40 species of succulent plants in the ice plant family. They are native to arid and semi-arid areas of Africa, Southwest Asia, the Middle East, and northern Australia. These plants typically grow to be about 12-16 inches high, though they can reach up to two feet in height. They have cylindrical or conical inflorescences of small flowers, which are usually yellow, though some species are blue or red. The leaves are primary and the stems are succulent. The pitchers are the distinguishing feature of this plant, which they use to capture prey (usually small insects).