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5 Types of Carnivorous Plants

5 Types of Carnivorous Plants

August 10, 20143698Views

As a result of coping with deprived soil quality, carnivorous plants evolved and advanced by supplementing their diet with animal organisms. Nearly all carnivorous plants capture and eat insects, but a few also consume mice and other small rodents. Below are five types of carnivorous plants that have managed to adapt to otherwise inhospitable environments.

1. Venus Flytrap

Venus Flytrap
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The Venus flytrap is usually the first species that enters people’s minds when the subject of carnivorous plants comes up. The main part of the plant includes two open leaves, hinged together to form a sort of jaw, with fine hairs lining the edges. As soon as an insect touches a couple of the hairs on the plant, the flytrap rapidly snaps closed and begins to digest its prey. Venus flytraps are among the few plants to facilitate rapid movement. Once it digests its prey, the jaws will open once more, prepared for the next snack. To avoid squandering energy, the flytrap only closes after any two or more hairs have been touched, usually within 20 seconds of the initial movement.

2. Drosera

Drosera feature
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Species of the Drosera genus are frequently called sundews since their leaves are arranged in a circular pattern, like the sun’s rays, and appear to be covered with dew, which draw in unsuspecting insects. The “dew” is really a sticky, digestive enzyme. Drosera plants are capable of ensnaring and digesting their prey. These plants are widespread in nutrient-deficient locations like swamps and beach areas. There are about 200 diverse species of Drosera plants that have currently been identified.

3. Sarracenia

Sarracenia
Photo from Severin Candrian/Unsplash

Sarracenia are nicknamed pitcher plants, and originated in parts of the US and Canada. Different from other species, Sarracenia appear related to ordinary flowers. Because of this, North American pitchers are masters at tricking their prey into coming in for a closer look. At summer’s end, the Sarracenia’s foliage turns a profound burgundy-red hue, attracting flies. As soon as the fly comes into the high, hollow leaf, it rapidly plunges into water and is then trapped. The pitcher’s steep sides, along with the slick, watery enzymes, prevent any possibility of escape.

4. Nepenthes

Nepenthes
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Nepenthes are also pitchers, but a tropical species. This carnivorous plant inhabits tropical locations throughout Asia, Australia, and Sri Lanka. The Nepenthes contain pitchers that begin as small buds, containing self-made liquid. Enticed by the nectar’s aroma, insects and even smaller rodents will find themselves ensnared. With this pitcher, also called ‘monkey cups’, the plant senses movement and the Nepenthe’s digestive process begins, releasing powerful digestive fluids and devouring the prey.

5. Pinguicula

Pinguiculas
Photo from Max Letek/Unsplash

Pinguicula, commonly known as butterwort, is a carnivorous plant comparable to Drosera. They, like Drosera, grow dewy, sticky leaves to trap their prey. These plants have brilliant, multi-colored blooms. Although the flowers typically last only a short time, they can display vibrant shades of lavender while in bloom. While in its active carnivorous season, the leaves become sticky with dew to seize prey. Upon entering the winter season, they grow dormant, comparable to a succulent. At this point, the plant does not produce the sticky enzymes.

Featured Image from kasiagajek/Unsplash