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Venus flytrap

Scientific Name: Dionaea muscipula

Family: Droseraceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Forb/herb

Duration: Perennial

Other Names: NC (venus flytrap)

       

Venus Flytrap (Dionaea muscipula)

The Venus flytrap, scientifically known as Dionaea muscipula, is a fascinating carnivorous plant captivating plant enthusiasts and researchers alike.

Considerations for Pets

  • The plant has "traps" which could potentially catch small insects, potentially attracting pets to investigate.
  • The plant has toothed modified leaves that snap shut when triggered.

Considerations for Children

  • Children are often fascinated by the Venus flytrap, drawn to its unique trapping mechanism.

Quirky Facts

  • Venus flytraps can count the number of times an insect touches the sensory hairs on its leaves, triggering different responses based on the count. It takes two taps to trigger the trap to close.
  • The plant uses mathematical skills to conserve energy.
  • The "Venus" part of the name comes from the plant's pretty white flowers, resembling the goddess Venus and the planet.

Nomenclature and Taxonomy

  • Scientific Name: Dionaea muscipula
  • Common Names: Venus Flytrap, Venus' Fly Trap, Venus' Fly Frap
  • Part of the sundew family (Droseraceae).

Distribution and Habitat

  • Native to the subtropical wetlands of the East Coast of the United States, specifically North Carolina and South Carolina.
  • Found in bogs and swamplands, particularly the Green Swamp Preserve in North Carolina.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • The plant is known for its modified leaves that form traps to capture insects.
  • Each trap is made of two hinged lobes.

Ecology and Interactions

  • The Venus flytrap is a carnivorous plant that traps and digests insects to obtain nutrients from poor soil.
  • It preys on various insects, including ants, spiders, beetles, grasshoppers, and flying insects, and even small slugs.

Further Information

  • Botanical Society of America's Mysterious Venus Flytrap (Dionaea muscipula) page.
  • FlytrapStore.com: A leading seller of Venus Fly Traps in the United States.
  • FlytrapCare.com
  • The Nature Conservancy: nature.org/northcarolina or (919) 403-8558.