So I’m going to talk this week about something not on my section. We all know that a tiger eats meat and an otter eats fish but what about something a bit more unusual.Carnivorous plants. That’s right I said plants!
Venus fly trap
In the natural world there are many plants that also have a meat diet. You may have heard of a Venus fly trap? It looks like an innocent little plant but it has a dark side. It uses nectar to entice its prey into a trap which is covered in little hairs. When the bug touches these hairs it triggers the trap to shut. Once inside it wriggles around trying to escape which signals to the plant that it’s been successful and so seals the trap. With the trap sealed, digestive enzymes are released which dissolves its meal allowing the plant to absorb the nutrients.
Pitcher Plant
Another plant example is the pitcher plant. There are many examples but they all loosely resemble a jug, hence the name.
Modified leaves create pitfall traps. At the bottom of these traps are the digestive enzymes. The prey is lured to the rim of the pitfall by a trail of nectar leading right inside. This rim is very slippery so once the unsuspecting creature looks in too far it slips into the digestive liquid and cannot get out. Some of these pitchers are even large enough to trap larger prey like rodents and lizards.
Ophiocordyceps unilateralis
In some parts of the world there are types of fungus that target specific prey. They release their spores which are ingested by the target, an ant for example. Once inside it takes over its host and forces it to climb up to a branch and grip onto it with its mandibles. Once it has latched on, a fruiting body grows from the head of the insect and this will then release its own spores.
Sundew Plant
Sundew plants have long, skinny leaves covered in hairs. They look almost like tentacles. At the end of each leaf is a gland which produces nectar to draw in its prey. At the same time it produces a sticky substance so the insect cannot get away and the enzymes needed to digest it. To seal the deal once triggered, the surrounding leaves roll up to cover it, ensuring the plant a meal.
These are just a few examples of unfriendly flora and while not my usual line of thought I hope you found it interesting. They are definitely worth watching if you like to see animals eat.
