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Carnivorous Plants

Carnivorous plants are plants that consume most or all of their nutrients from insects or small animals. Most of them consume insects, and are called insectivorous plants. Some plants have been found which are able to digest small animals such as frogs and lizards.

These plants usually live in nutrient-poor environments, such as acidic bogs or limestone cliff faces. There are about 625 species that attract and capture prey.

Carnivorous plants require sunlight for photosynthesis, like all green plants. They prefer bright, open, sunny areas. They are usually divided into three groups:

Active – These plants show active movement when catching prey, such as the Venus Fly Trap. This type of plant lures insects with nectar. The insect touches tiny hairs on the leaves, causing it to snap shut. Glands in the leaves release enzymes that digest the prey.

Semi-active – Semi-active plants close slowly over several hours. An example of this type of plant is the sundew. Sundews are covered with tentacles that produce a sticky substance that resembles dew. Insects are attracted to the shiny substance and become stuck on the leaf.

Passive – Passive traps lure prey into an inescapable pit, usually down a tube-like snare. The pitcher plant is an example of this group of plants. Insects are attracted to bright colors and nectar. The inside of the leaves are slippery, and the insect slips and falls to the bottom, where digestive fluids are secreted.

Other Information

For a good overview of carnivorous plants, visit Sarracenia.

Bob Ziemer has put together a collection of images of carnivorous plants. See his collection here.

Make sure to keep these plants away from your garden sheds and childrens playhousesfor safety reasons.

Slideshow of carnivorous plants

For more information, check out these resources:

Botany.org
freeflytraps.com
The Garden Helper
Fly Trap Growing Info
Best Carnivorous Plants
Carolina Carnivores
Bug Biting Plants
Carnivorous plants
rdrop.com
Kids National Geographic

Where to buy carnivorous plants

Carnivorous plants are grown by many hobbyists. Here is a list of places where you can buy carnivorous plants.

Black Jungle
Cobra Plant
Carolina Carnivores
Cascade Carnivores
Borneo Exotics

Plants for Kids

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