What makes a pitcher plant’s trap so slippery?
Research into the wettability of a pitcher plant’s trap reveals that its the grooves you can see that make it so slippery – and the grooves you can’t.
Tag: Nepenthes
What happens to nutrients, after a carnivorous plant has digested its prey?
While carnivorous plants eat insects, they get most of their energy from photosynthesis, like other plants. New research investigates how carnivory affects photosynthesis.
Coeliacs, snakebites and the perils of apricots…
Nigel Chaffey continues his exploration of the unexpected health benefits of some foods.
Evolution of a carnivorous plant’s wood anatomy
Prey-induced responses in carnivorous Nepenthes
The cost–benefit model for botanical carnivory
This study concludes that traps have lower rates of photosynthesis than leaves, and that leaves have higher rates of photosynthesis after feeding.
Root exudates and intraspecific variability in allelopathy
Results indicate the potential for metabolic profiling as a tool for examining plant–plant interactions.
Fluid properties influence diet in Nepenthes pitcher plants
Fluid from pitchers of four Nepenthes species is studied to determine retention capacity and time-to-kill for different species of ants and flies.
The most efficient trap isn’t always the most deadly trap
Climate and capture mechanism in pitcher plants
The influence of climate on the mechanisms employed by Nepenthes in prey capture and retention.
