Carnivorous Plants

by Carmen Carter

There are more than 600 species and subspecies of carnivorous plants. Some of the largest species can devour victims as large as a frog, even larger if the creature is sickly and does not have the strength to fight off the perpetrator plant. Carnivorous plants do their evil deed by capture, kill, digest and absorbing their victim’s nutrients. (Kind of like on line dating!)

The fastest killer is an underwater plant, Utricularia, which sucks its prey up in 1/30th of a second. (Hey, if it’s your time to go - not a bad way)

Carnivorous plants use many techniques to attract their unsuspecting victims, primarily color and scent.  These hungry plants finish the job of capture by providing a slippery, wet, gummy surface which makes for an unsuccessful escape.  Some plants like the Venus flytrap use motion detectors to signal closure of its trap. (I will censor my comments to these facts)

While these plants are attractive and entertaining garden features, they are not a cure for insect control.  Unfortunately they are not hearty eaters and often require so much water they attract more mosquitoes than they consume. (Can you say FEMA?)