The Venus flytrap
In his book, Schnell (2002) describes the Venus flytrap, Dionaea muscipula as the epitome of a carnivorous plant. Natively found in North Carolina, Schnell (2002) further continues to say that, in addition to its odd beauty, its adaptation and carnivorous functions are amazing. A truly remarkable plant that even Charles
Darwin is often quoted to having called the Venus flytrap as the most wonderful plant in the world.
A typical Venus flytrap is about five inches tall. It is mainly found in nitrogen poor environment. It tolerates fire well and depends on periodic burning to curb competition The leaves of this plant have two regions a broad typical leaf-like region, called the leaf- base that has the capability of carrying photosynthesis. This part grows out of the ground. The second part is the trapping mechanism called the lamina or leaf blade. The leaf has two lobes that are hinged by the midrib. Each lobe has two to five trigger hairs and the edge of the trap is lined with finger-like cilia that normally tie up once the trap closes. When an insect crawls into the trap and touches the hair, the trap closes over it. If the insect struggles or moves, the trap becomes tighter. Once the trap is fully closed, enzymes are released to digest the insect .The nutrients are then absorbed into the pads (Schnell, 2002).
The modifications of the plant that make it adapt to its environment include its leaves that are modified into a trap enabling the plant to capture and digest insects. This helps to provide nitrogen to the plant, which lacks in the soil where the Venus flytrap grows. In addition, the plant produces a delicious sweet smelling sap and attractive colors in the traps to be able to attract more insects. This plant also exhibits the fastest movements in the plant kingdom, enabling it to trap its prey (Biskup, 2007).
Darwin is often quoted to having called the Venus flytrap as the most wonderful plant in the world.
A typical Venus flytrap is about five inches tall. It is mainly found in nitrogen poor environment. It tolerates fire well and depends on periodic burning to curb competition The leaves of this plant have two regions a broad typical leaf-like region, called the leaf- base that has the capability of carrying photosynthesis. This part grows out of the ground. The second part is the trapping mechanism called the lamina or leaf blade. The leaf has two lobes that are hinged by the midrib. Each lobe has two to five trigger hairs and the edge of the trap is lined with finger-like cilia that normally tie up once the trap closes. When an insect crawls into the trap and touches the hair, the trap closes over it. If the insect struggles or moves, the trap becomes tighter. Once the trap is fully closed, enzymes are released to digest the insect .The nutrients are then absorbed into the pads (Schnell, 2002).
The modifications of the plant that make it adapt to its environment include its leaves that are modified into a trap enabling the plant to capture and digest insects. This helps to provide nitrogen to the plant, which lacks in the soil where the Venus flytrap grows. In addition, the plant produces a delicious sweet smelling sap and attractive colors in the traps to be able to attract more insects. This plant also exhibits the fastest movements in the plant kingdom, enabling it to trap its prey (Biskup, 2007).
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