They’re called carnivores because they feed on insects. and other small animals. Without a doubt they are different from the rest of the species that can be found among the flora of the whole world, for this reason they have become so popular and everyone wants to know more about them.
How do they feed themselves? Once insects or any small amphibians get close to them, the carnivorous plants close, twist or move to catch them and not let them out. There are basically 9 types of carnivorous plants, we show them here.
The types of carnivorous plants that exist
Most of these plants are very eye-catching and even a little shocking. To trap their prey, they have sticky surfaces, small spines that resemble teeth and/or viscous and sugary liquids, attractive to insects.
In the last few decades many people have chosen these plants to keep at home. The fact that they feed on insects and move makes them very attractive. Although not all types of carnivorous plants can be kept at home, some are simple to care for and can be indoors.
1. Drosera
The drosera carnivorous plant, also known as “sun dew”.is part of one of the families of carnivorous plants that have more subspecies, with 194 different known varieties. The way this plant traps its food is by secreting a sugar-rich droplet that attracts insects.
This liquid is also very stickyso once the little insects come to feed, they get trapped. The drosera plant reacts by closing and does not allow them to come out, so they end up suffocating until they are finally digested.
2. Nepenthes
Nepenthes are plants found in tropical areas. They have an eye-catching shape and colour, since resemble small jars. In some places they are called jarro plants or monkey cups because the monkeys get to drink water from there, although for them it does not pose any risk.
These plants secrete a liquid that attracts mosquitoes. Because of its slippery interior and jug shape, it is difficult for insects to leave the plant once they enter, eventually dying inside the bag. Some of the Nepenthes plants come to have really large sizes, up to 15 metres.
3. Cephalotus follicularis
Carnivorous plants Cephalotus follicularis are small but deadly to their victims.. They originate in Australia and as part of their natural structure, have a small “lid”, differentiated from the carnivorous plant itself.
This trap consists of a kind of jugs that store water, where insects end up drowning. After this the plant, which is flexible, tilts and ends up absorbing what has been trapped.
4. Saracenia
Saracenia is a type of carnivorous plant typical of North America. They are plants that look very pretty and have a very elongated tube shape. At the bottom of that tube, the Saracen generates nectar.
The insects come looking for that nectar. As this plant looks like a common flower, mosquitoes and other species enter the tube to drink the liquid. After this it is impossible to get out of there for them and the plant ends up digesting them.
5. Dionaea muscipula
The Dionaea muscipula is also known as the Venus flycatcher.one of the most famous carnivorous plants. This is one of the most famous carnivorous plants in the world because its shape is very peculiar and even a little frightening.
Its leaves look like jaws surrounded by small, sharp teeth.. When they perceive that something has landed inside them, they close automatically. Insects regularly reach their jaws, but also small amphibians, which are rarely released from the jaws of the Dionaea.
6. Drosophyllum
Drosophyllum is also known as fly catcher (In fact, its name means something like “fly lover”). It’s a plant that’s difficult to grow. because it also requires very dry climates in order to grow. It has elongated, tall leaves, which are covered by mucilages.
Mucilage is a highly viscous, sticky substance. That’s why flytrap leaves are a deadly trap for insects, especially flies that land there. When an insect arrives, the leaves twist and end up devouring it.
7. Pinguicula grandiflora
The Pinguicula grandiflora is a carnivorous plant with a very striking flower. It is also known as water violet or fountain flower. It is found in temperate climates and its flower is large, beautiful and with sticky petals.
This carnivorous plant, unlike most, does not have an obvious differentiated trap. What happens in this plant is that the insects end up sticking to its petals. Without the possibility of escape, the flower absorbs them and feeds on them.
8. Darlingtonia californica
The carnivorous plant Darlingtonia californica is, by its shape, one of the most exotic. It’s also known as “cobra plant.”because it actually resembles a snake lifted up and sticking out its tongue.
Without a doubt its appearance is very imposing and it is a trap in itself for insects. Due to their tubular and closed shape, insects enter, become trapped and are immediately digested.
9. Aldrovanda vesiculosa
This plant, the Aldrovanda vesiculosa, is an aquatic carnivorous plant. It is also known as a water wheel and is found in places of peaceful water. Their appearance is not as striking or frightening as the others, except for a few small teeth around their leaves.
At the end of each leaf are its traps. When an insect arrives, they immediately close and catch their prey. They start digesting them and there’s no escape. Despite being small plants, they are still deadly to mosquitoes that come to rest in their traps.
Bibliographic references
- Darwin C (1875). Insectivorous plants. London: John Murray. ISBN 978-1-4102-0174-4.
- Albert, V.A.; Williams, S.E.; Chase, M.W. (1992). “Carnivorous plants: Phylogeny and structural evolution.” Science. 257 (5076): 1491–1495.
