Dionaea Muscipula - Venus fly trap

Dionaea Muscipula, better known as the Venus fly trap, comes from the wetlands of the eastern United States, especially from North and South Carolina. Because of its unique property, the plant has to catch and digest insects, get worldwide attention.

Botanical characteristics

The Venus fly trap belongs to the family of the Dionaeaceae and is characterized by its striking, jagged leaves, which form into a characteristic flap. These flaps are covered with sensitive trigger hair that trigger a complex fishing mechanism when touched. The fishing mechanism consists of two steps: First the flap is closed to catch the insect, and then the prisoner is digested by the release of digestive enzymes.

Habitat

The Venus fly trap prefers acidic floors and moist, sunny conditions. It can often be found in bogs and swampy areas. This specific habitat is necessary to compensate for the lack of nutrients in the soil, which arises from the plant specializing in carnivore nutrition.

Physiological properties

The physiological properties of the Dionaea Muscipula are particularly interesting. The trigger hair, which are responsible for the fishing mechanism, consist of specialized cells that react to mechanical stimuli. The quick reaction of the plant is the result of a quick water exchange in the cells of the flaps, which is started by closing the flaps. The production of digestive enzymes takes place in order to extract the nutrients from the captured insects and compensate for the lack of minerals in the soil.

Evolutionary adjustments

The evolution of the Venus fly trap becomes clear by its unique adaptation to a carnivore nutrition. This adaptation has probably developed to compensate for the lack of nutrients in the acidic soils of their natural habitats. The development of the fishing mechanism and digestive skills are key features that have developed over time to ensure the ability to survive the plant.