Nepenthales: Droseraceae & Nepenthaceae

In the photosynthetic autotrophic kingdom of plants, there are few among the green, leafy and inanimate that have evolved a certain taste for other organisms. These insectivorous heterotrophs, also known as the carnivorous plants, have been found all over the world in countless environments with one common characteristic. These plants attract, capture and consume prey. Nepenthes and members of Droseraceae are two examples of these unique multicellular organisms. Unfortunately for the world’s insects, the main diet of these plants such as Nepenthes and Droseracereae consist of these extremely populous arthropods. Throughout their evolutionary history, these carnivorous plants have undergone adaptations that have enabled them to survive competition with other species over limited resources. Evidence in the fossil record reveals the existence of these plants during the early breakup of the great supercontinent Pangaea. Continental drift provided the vehicle for the dispersal of these unique plants to their present habitats all over the globe.

Fact sheet: Pitcher Plant

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