Plant eats meat
Article courtesy of Lennox Head Landcare
by S Web
Australia is home to more dangerous animals than just about anywhere else in the world, but did you know, we also top the list for the world’s most deadly carnivorous plants?
It’s true, plants can be deadly, and though their prey is generally small, their appetites are voracious and varied. Carnivorous plants can consume anything from insects to caterpillars and spiders; even small birds and reptiles have been found decomposing in the bowels of these ravenous plants.
Of course, we’ve all heard of the Venus fly trap, but Pitcher plants, Bladder warts and the petite, and very cutely named, Sundew are all meat eaters. What’s more, Australia is the world-wide hotspot for them. Over half the world’s Sundew species, more than 250 varieties, reside here; there are even some in Lennox Head. You’ll find them in the wetter areas of the heath north of town or around the lake.
So how does a plant actually eat an insect? Firstly, the prey is attracted to the plant by sweet nectar, bright colours or the skanky smell of rotting fish. That’s right, some carnivorous plants emit a putrid odour that insects find totally irresistible.
Once the insect is attracted, the ingenious plants contain their prey using various techniques. Of course, there’s the hinged-leaf cage of the Venus fly trap. Others drown their prey in foul-smelling soups. Sundews snare their quarry in super-sticky globules and as the insect struggles to release itself, phase three of the process begins. The plant produces enzymes and acids, much like our stomach acid, that breakdown and dissolve their prey.
But why does a plant need, or want to ingest insects? Well, that’s where these adaptive plants are really quite remarkable. Because our ancient soils (except in volcanic areas) are deficient of nutrients like nitrogen, phosphate, potassium and others macro and micro elements, the plant gains these vital nutrients from their insect prey.
Some insects however, like Sundew bugs, avoid the sticky snare and happily wander over the plant while feeding on less-fortunate insects trapped in the claggy grip. And get this; a meal for the Sundew bug is paid for in poo; yes, it’s true! But that’s a bonus for the Sundew too because poo provides further vital nutrients. Who’d have thought crapping on your host was the appropriate payment for a free feed. Now that’s a win, win relationship!