Carnivorous Plants

Most carnivorous plants live in peat bogs and other areas with swampy acidic soils. Such soils are often deficient in the nutrients which plants need in order to grow well. Carnivorous plants obtain nitrogen from insects which they trap and digest. Their leaves have become specialised to form a variety of traps - these include sticky surfaces, pitchers into which insects fall and active traps that snap shut around their prey. Enzymes secreted by the plant digest the trapped insect, forming a nutrient-rich 'soup' which is then absorbed.

Many carnivorous plants are becoming endangered because their swampy habitats are being drained to provide land for forestry, agriculture and housing. They are also threatened by over - collecting, either for horticulture or floristry.

About carnivorous plants

habitats

trapping methods

collections at Kew

public displays at Kew

More plants

Back up to: Plants home