Carnivorous Plants

Being a gardener doesn’t have to be dull. If you want something different, carnivorous plants are bound to get attention. From the common Venus Flytrap to the Cobra plant, these interesting plants serve several purposes. In regions that have large numbers of bugs, it lowers the amount of flies or other insects that annoy you. While the benefit is strictly related to the size and species of carnivorous plants that you own, these plants can grant a small level of relief while providing entertainment to adults and children alike.

There are five different types of carnivorous plants. The most common type, the same family that the Venus Flytrap contains, is the snap trap family. Snap traps depend on a mouth that closes in around its pray, where the plant will eat whatever it snares.

Next are pitfall traps. These traps rely on food falling into the plant and being unable to escape. These plants undergo constant evolution, as water can pool in the pitchers of the plant in addition to the bugs that the plant eats. These plants range from colorful to ugly, and do not have hinged parts like their snap trap cousins.

Flypaper traps are among some of the most interesting carnivorous plants. These plants ooze out a glue which ensnares and devours insects for nourishment. These carnivorous plants should be approached with caution in the residence, as the secretions can cause agitation to the skin.

Bladder traps are a fascinating subset of carnivorous plants. These plants function through the osmosis of water to create a suction within the body of the plant. Once an insect or aquatic species has been trapped within, escape is difficult. Unlike many carnivorous plants, these are more commonly found underwater than above ground. Some species of bladder traps, such as the Bladderwort, lack roots, which make them a creative addition to any collection.

Finally, the lobster pot traps are among a few of the most Interesting appearing carnivorous plants that you can acquire. These plants survive by allowing insects an easy way to gain entry, but no chance of departure. In the case of the corkscrew plant, the internal structure of the plant have downward pointing obstructions and a y-shaped leaf structure that stops the escape of its prey. The unusual shapes of lobster pot traps are directly related to their evolution to prevent the escape of insects.

For those desiring in borderline species, there are several varieties of plants that do not meet all of the requirements of carnivorous plants, but have sharing characteristics. These plants include the Brocchinia Roridula and members of the Martyniaceae species. The plants lack one of the three required aspects, which is to attract, kill and digest prey, to be classified as a true carnivorous plant.

Carnivorous plants should be placed where young children and babies cannot reach them. While most of them are relatively harmless to humans, digestion of these plants should be avoided, due to the digestive enzymes that the plant utilizes to break down prey.