Fascinating plants

Plants, just like any other thing, can be bizarre sometimes. Check this out..

(1) Carnivorous plants

Yes, you read right. But wait! These plants do not have razor-sharp teeth like those of a shark or talons like those of an eagle. They do not stalk prey as lionesses either. Then what are they?

In a soil that is low in nitrogen and phosphorus, but with sunlight and water available, plants need to get those nutrients from an alternate source. Carnivorous plants have evolved some – if not all – of the following: the production of lures, digestive enzymes, modified leaf structures, and the decreased rate of photosynthesis over total leaf area. With various techniques according to each species, insects and other arthropods are common prey. Interestingly enough, frogs, rats and even birds (though they were probably sick or already near death) have been reported.
Choosing the right birthday present is no longer a problem. Who likes insects creeping or buzzing around at home?

(2) Water lilies

This family is native to the shallow waters of the Amazon River basin in South America. It has the largest leaves and the longest stem. The largest leaf ever recorded was 10 feet (about 3 meters) in diameter and the submerged stalk 26 feet (about 8 meters) in length.

The flowers are no less strange. They can be as big as 16 inches (40cm) in diameter. They are white the first night they are open and turn pink the second night. What’s more, unlike most flowers that are pollinated by bees, butterflies or the wind, lily flowers are pollinated by beetles.
Can it make a good tray? Or a good tambourine?

(3) Shy plants

Mimosa Pudica, or the sensitive plant, has its compound leaves fold inward and droop when touched or shaken. Native to Central and South America, this plant is a mystery to botanists across the globe who seek to understand its ‘feelings’. Although it reopens a few minutes later, it repeats the same reaction if touched or shaken again.