Orange County observer. [volume] (Hillsborough, N.C.) 1880-1918, 1886-10-16
PLANTS THAT EAT.
Some Forms OF Vegetation
with an Appetite.
Interesting Species of Plant that Catch
Flies and Mosquitoes

has recently been got together an almost
complete set of insectivorous plants, so /
called from their being so constructed rs
to attract insects. capture them IN various |
ways and feed upon them. A few of |
these plants have been gathered from
their native habitat, in the swamps of
North Carolina and California, and
others have been sent from India,
Australia and Madagascar Perhaps the
best known of the group, and certainly
the most wonderful plant in the whole
vegetable kingdom is D.onpe muscipula,
commonly known as Venus Fly
Trap. The leaves vary from
one to six inches long, and at
the extremitles are placed two blades or
claspers, the shape of which may be said
to resemble two hands placed together
between the palms and the wrists, and
the fingers held backwards. The palms
of the hands represent the inner walls of
the trap, while the fingers represent the
marginal hairs or teeth On the inner
walls of these clasperS there are placed
six irritable hairs, any one of which re-
ceivng the slightest touch from an insect
IS sufficient to bring the two blades to-
gether with such rapdity as to preclude
any possibility of the fly escaping. A
correct idea of how the trap closes on its
victim may be obtained by bringing the
two hands rapidly together, the fingers
of the one being firmly pressed between
those of the other. This plant readily
discriminates between animal and other
matter; thus if a small stone or piece of
wood be dropped into the trap, it will
instantly close, but as soon as it has found
out its mistake, and it only takes few
minutes, it begins to unfold its trap and
the piece Of wood or stone falls out. On
the other hand, should piece of beef or
a blue bottle fly be placed in it, it will
remain firmly closed until every particle
of organic matter is absorbed through
the leaf 1t will then unforld itself and
is ready for another meal.
Next in interess comes Sarracenia
purpurea. This species is popularity and
most appropriately called "The Vegetable
Whiskey Shop as it captures its
victims by intoxication. The entire
shop is shaped after the manner of a
house, with the entrance projecting a
little ovcr the rim. Half way round the
brim of the cavity there are an immense
number of honey glands, which the in
f1ucnce of the sun brings into active
operation. This sweet secretion acts as
lure to passing insects, and they are
pretty sure, should they come within its
influence, to aiight on the outside edge
and tap the nectar. They, however, re-
main there but brief period as there is
something more substantial inside the
cavity in the shape Of an intoxicating
liquid, which Is distilled by the plant
The way down to this beverage is
straight; there Is no crossing over, rs
:hc entrance is paved with innumcrable
fine hairs al pointing to the bottom, and
should the fly walk crooked. its feet be
come entangtcd in them. When the fly
has hal It's first nip. it docs not stop and
fly right cut, rs il could do, but it in
dugcs until i is more than half seas
over" II then comes staggering up and
reaches that portion where the ha rs be
gin; here its progress outward is stopped
owing t. the points OF the hairs being
placed against it. The fiy is now in a
pitiable plight, it attempts 10 use its
cwings. but in doing so, only hastens It's
own destruction 1t inevitably reaches
the bottom. gets immersed in the liquid
and dies drunk
Another species, which, were it plenti
ful. would prove boon and a blessing
to man. Is Drosera dichotoma, the mus
quito catcher. Il grows abou; one foo,
high, and as II specific name implies,
the leaves, after reaching certain height,
bifurcate into long narrow spatches,
which are denscly covered with club
tipped. rose colorei hairs, each Of which
Is covered with bright Cunmy sub
stance This. during sunshine, gives -
tho plan. most magnificent appearance.
This curious plant would seem - have
great attractions for the nu>qaito. for If
Tlaat 10 placed in room where they
abound. all Il the troubles3ae pests
wilt. in brief period, bc IN Us deadIv