Carnivorous Plants

Carnivorous plant displays at Kew

There is a special zone in the Princess of Wales Conservatory dedicated entirely to the display of carnivorous plants. In it you will find a wide range of plants, illustrating the different ways in which they trap their prey. Just outside this zone, in the warmer environment of the main Wet Tropics Zone, you will find some of the tropical species, including some of the large pitfall traps of some pitcher plants.

The plants on display at Kew are not given meat to eat at 'feeding time' - there are sufficient midges and other small insects in the glasshouses to supply their needs.

Children are always fascinated by carnivorous plants, which provided the inspiration for many of the activities in Climbers and Creepers, Kew's interactive play zone. As well as a pitcher plant slide and a challenge of catching a fly in a giant venus fly trap, there is also a display cabinet of live plants giving an insight into the unique characters of carnivorous plants.

More plants

Back up to: carnivorous plants home