What Is A Carnivorous Plant

A carnivorous plant is a plant that lures some type of animal usually an insect into a trap where the creature dies, is eaten or digested and then benefits the plant itself.  The most common meat eating plant is probably the Venus Fly Trap which many people are familiar with and may have even purchased for their home.  But there are many other carnivorous plants with more that 600 species identified.  People can be thankful for the contribution of these bug eating plants and the removal of irritating creatures such flies and gnats. 

Where Do Carnivorous Plants Grow

These animal eating plants grow on every continent of the world except Antarctica.  They are actually much more numerous and in more locations that the average person realizes.  In fact every state of the United States has carnivorous plants growing.  One thing for people to understand is that the plants are easily destroyed and in fact many species have become extinct because of people’s behavior.  A great way for people to observe plants of this nature is to visit one of the many botanical observatories across the country.  This not only allows a person to learn more about the plants but works to preserve and help in the study of carnivorous plants. 

How To Grow Bug Eating Plants

People can grow these wonderful plants in their own homes with a little bit of research and advice.  Prior to purchasing any plants from a nursery a person will want to read some books on the subject.  One very complete book is “Growing Carnivorous Plants” by Barry Rice.  Copies of this book can be found at large book dealers such as Amazon and Barnes and Noble.  The book “The Savage Garden” by Peter D’Amato is also recognized as being a great book for learning about the carnivorous plant world.  Other information and lists of purchased materials can easily be found from the International Carnivorous Plant Society.

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Venus Flytrap

The Venus flytrap was named for the Greek goddess Venus, who is commonly thought of as the goddess of love but who was also the goddess of plants. This bulb-like flower is made up of several leaves that are usually no more than six centimeters long. Actually the Venus flytrap is an herb that is carnivorous unlike most plants, which use photosynthesis to create food. This exotic plant catches insects and arachnids in a natural trap formed by its multiple leaves. Although the Venus flytrap has been transplanted successfully in many areas, it only grows naturally in North and South Carolina’s swamps and bogs.

Bamboo

There are about 1000 species of bamboo found mostly in Asian, Indian, and Australian cultures. A quick growing exotic plant, many industries have begun harvesting bamboo for floor covering, window treatments, serving bowls and baskets, as well as many other less common uses. Bamboo is actually a type of grass and can be extremely invasive in a backyard setting. For this reason it is important to take careful precautions when planting ornamental bamboo as an exotic plant in your landscaping.

Orchids

Orchids are known for their beauty. They are one of the largest and most varied group of exotic flowering plants, boasting over 25,000 species. Although there are many thousands of types of Orchids, every one of them is protected as a threatened species.  This prevents orchids from entering America so they must be grown in the country in greenhouses. Even hybrids of orchids are no longer allowed into the nation because officials cannot tell the difference between a true species and a hybrid.

Bonsai

Bonsai literally translates into ‘potted plant’ in Japanese and ‘tray scenery’ in Chinese. Not actually an exotic plant as much a tree.  It is the art of growing miniature trees by planted them in containers and pruning and trimming according to the custom of the tradition. Even though Bonsai is usually associated with the Japanese culture, it originally began in China. Today the word Bonsai is used to describe both the Japanese and Chinese methods.

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