Flesh-Eating Flora Go Ultraviolet

By LarryR
April 5, 2013

Ranking right up there among the oddities in the world of plants are those that consume living beings to supplement their diets. Most of us are familiar with the ubiquitous Venus fly trap that snaps shut when triggered by an unsuspecting insect. But some of these plants have more in their bag of tricks than we suspected.

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Apr 7, 2013 10:47 AM CST
Thread OP
Name: Larry Rettig
South Amana, IA (Zone 5a)
I was one of the first 300 contributors to the plant database! Lover of wildlife (Raccoon badge) Foliage Fan Cottage Gardener Tip Photographer Composter
Organic Gardener Charter ATP Member Garden Photography Houseplants Hybridizer Cat Lover
Thanks all, for your comments. I wrote this brief blurb partially from memory. My interest was piqued when a brief article appeared in our local paper some time ago. I also consulted the following: http://www.bbc.co.uk/nature/21.... And, of course, Wikipedia.
Gardener was the label imprinted on me when the souls were handed out and so be it. --Margaret Roach (Thank you, Sharon!) Notes from the Garden: Articles of interest on all aspects of gardening
Cottage-in-the-Meadow Gardens: Come on in and take the tour! Check out the photos!
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Apr 7, 2013 12:33 PM CST
Name: Renée
Northern KY
Charter ATP Member I was one of the first 300 contributors to the plant database! Region: Kentucky Cat Lover Dog Lover Sempervivums
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You did a great job, Larry!
What an interesting fact--who'd 'a thunk it?
Last edited by KyWoods Apr 11, 2013 2:58 PM Icon for preview
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Apr 8, 2013 9:49 AM CST
Thread OP
Name: Larry Rettig
South Amana, IA (Zone 5a)
I was one of the first 300 contributors to the plant database! Lover of wildlife (Raccoon badge) Foliage Fan Cottage Gardener Tip Photographer Composter
Organic Gardener Charter ATP Member Garden Photography Houseplants Hybridizer Cat Lover
Thanks, Renée. Much appreciated!
Gardener was the label imprinted on me when the souls were handed out and so be it. --Margaret Roach (Thank you, Sharon!) Notes from the Garden: Articles of interest on all aspects of gardening
Cottage-in-the-Meadow Gardens: Come on in and take the tour! Check out the photos!
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Dec 6, 2014 3:54 PM CST
Name: Neil
London\Kent Border
Forum moderator Garden Ideas: Master Level Tip Photographer I was one of the first 300 contributors to the plant database! Charter ATP Member Region: United Kingdom
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Dear Larry, Nepenthes as you may know has been used in childbirth for centuries. The lip of the plant contains some form of sweet nectar that attracts flying insects. However the fluid inside a pitcher is based on viscoelastic biopolymers. This fluid traps most things.
A lot of plants show up under UV light. It is believed bees see that way!
Nice to see an Article on insectivorous plants!
Regards.
Neil.
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Dec 23, 2014 12:26 AM CST
Thread OP
Name: Larry Rettig
South Amana, IA (Zone 5a)
I was one of the first 300 contributors to the plant database! Lover of wildlife (Raccoon badge) Foliage Fan Cottage Gardener Tip Photographer Composter
Organic Gardener Charter ATP Member Garden Photography Houseplants Hybridizer Cat Lover
Many thanks for the additional information, Neil! Happy holidays!
Gardener was the label imprinted on me when the souls were handed out and so be it. --Margaret Roach (Thank you, Sharon!) Notes from the Garden: Articles of interest on all aspects of gardening
Cottage-in-the-Meadow Gardens: Come on in and take the tour! Check out the photos!
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