ANSWERS: 1
  • The Venus Flytrap is a small plant native to the bogs of North and South Carolina that receives most of its nutrients through trapping and eating insects. Its scientific name is Dionaea muscipula, and it is also known as Venus' Flytrap.

    Identification

    Venus Flytraps have leaves that perform photosynthesis. Mouth-like mechanisms called laminas grow out of the ends of most of these leaves. Laminas are lined with cilia, little teeth-like hairs that lock shut when an insect is trapped inside.

    Features

    Venus Flytrap leaves contain "trigger hairs" that trigger the leaf to clamp shut in less than one second when something touches them. The cilia on the outside of the leaf lock together, and within minutes the plant begins the three- to five-day process of digesting its insect food.

    Conditions

    Venus Flytraps prefer plenty of light, high humidity, acidic soil, and wet roots. They do well in terrariums or other glass containers with an opening for bugs and insects to get inside.

    Time Frame

    A Venus Flytrap takes three to four years to mature. When cared for properly, it can live 20 years or more.

    Fun Fact

    A Venus Flytrap will never grow more than seven leaves unless a new plant is splitting off from the mother plant.

    Source:

    Botanical Society of America: The Mysterious Venus Flytrap

    FlyTrapCare.com

    Floridata.com: Dionaea muscipula

    Resource:

    Growing Venus Flytrap Plants

Copyright 2023, Wired Ivy, LLC

Answerbag | Terms of Service | Privacy Policy