Nature & Environment

Rare carnivorous plant discovered in Brazil

By T.K. Randall
January 12, 2012 ·  7 comments

Image Credit: CC 3.0 Prsjl A plant's leaves are usually known to be photosynthetic organs, absorbing whatever nutrients they need from the sun and atmosphere, so it came as a surprise to find a plant which gets its nutrients not only from the soil, but from an entirely different species. The leaves of the plant - which are more abundant below ground than above - act as a trap, waiting for an earthworm to pass close enough. Enzymes within the leaves help break down the flesh of the worms rapidly so that the plant can digest the nutrients.

Source: Red Orbit | Comments (7)

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