Abstract: Even before Darwin’s time, scientists were intrigued with the Venus Flytrap (Dionaea muscipula). Since then, much has been learned about this rare carnivorous plant that feeds on living matter rather than through the process of photosynthesis such as other plants. Researchers continue to study specific aspects of the plant such as its closing mechanism and evolutionary tree, as well as newer issues such as the value to pharmaceuticals and healthcare and its adaptation to other geographical
The Cape Sundew (Drosera capensis) Introduction: The Drosera capensis, or more commonly known as the cape sundew is one of the most unusual and spectacular plants found in our world. This eudicodic angiosperm is a small-rosette forming, carnivorous species, meaning that it eats insects or anything else small and unlucky enough to land on it. The cape sundew is one of the most common sundews in cultivation due to its small size, durability and gratuitous amounts of seed production, making it a frequent
Carnivorous Plants In a world where plants are at the bottom of the food-chain, some individual plant species have evolved ways to reverse the order we expect to find in nature. These insectivorous plants, as they are sometimes called, are the predators , rather than the passive prey. Adaptions such as odiferous lures and trapping mechanisms have made it possible for these photosynthesizers to capture, chemically break-down and digest insect prey (and in some cases even small animals.) There is