Do the Flowers of Carnivorous Plants Smell Bad?
Carnivorous plants may seem to be the stuff of nightmares or horror films, but these dramatic plants pose no threat to humans and are worth getting to know. Does this Spark an idea?
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History
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Though carnivorous plants have been around since the cretaceous period, the suggestion that a plant could eat meat was not easily accepted. By the late 1800s proof of the plants' eating habits was recognized and their existence confirmed.
Attributes
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Because carnivorous plants are unable to uproot themselves, they must lure prey in order to feed. The Venus' flytrap simply shuts its jaws on unsuspecting insects, while other plants use slimy nectar to ensnare bugs. The rat-eating pitcher plant, like its name, is able to entice rats into its large bulbous flower to be digested. Carnivorous plant flowers come in a variety of shapes and sizes, though the tendency is for rich and vivid hues and large shapes that diverge in form from conventional flowers.
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Odor
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While the beauty and wonder of the flower of the carnivorous plant may be captivating, the smell of some may only appeal to a few. The nepenthe plant may be grown as a house plant, but it does emit an odor to which some people may be sensitive. Other carnivores, including the Venus' flytrap, have no distinctive odor.
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References
- Photo Credit carnivores image by Vladdy from Fotolia.com
