A number of unrelated plant genera have evolved carnivory as a response to nutrient-deficient habitats, from acid peat-bogs to the rain-leached tops of Venezuelan "tepuis" (the flat-topped mountains that inspired Conan Doyle's "Lost World"). Though often sold in garden centres, most species are unfortunately rather difficult to grow. A handful will survive (but probably not thrive) on a domestic windowsill, but the majority require specialised conditions, particularly high humidity. A nice compromise, if you have the space, is a terrarium but the ideal is a heated greenhouse with a misting system.

The trapping mechanisms can be divided into a few broad categories:

 

Flypapers - sticky glands trap insects in mucilage. In some species the sticky tentacles, and sometimes the whole leaf, can bend in order to smother the prey.

Genera - Drosera, Drosophyllum, Byblis, Pinguicula

 Drosera binata

 
Sarracenia x mitchelliana

Pitchers - modified leaves entice insects with colour and nectar lures. The insects fall into the pitcher and drown in the digestive liquid secreted within.

Genera - Sarracenia, Nepenthes, Heliamphora, Cephalotus, Darlingtonia, Brocchinia

 

Spring traps - the familiar "bear trap" of the Venus' fly-trap, and also the tiny but effective bladders of the Bladderworts. In all cases, sensitive hairs trigger a rapid movement which traps unwary prey.

Genera - Dionaea, Aldrovanda, Utricularia

 Utricularia longifolia

GROWING CARNIVOROUS PLANTS

LINKS

GROWLIST AND PLANTS FOR TRADE

BACK TO MY 'WRITING' HOMEPAGE