6. Pitcher Plants (Nepenthes)



Nepenthes is a genus of carnivorous plant that encompasses over 120 species, native to Indonesia, the Phillipines, and South-East Asia. This species of plant has three primary components: the lid, the rim, and the pitcher. The purpose of the lid is to keep rain water from collecting in the pitcher, and the colorful rim functions as a lure to insects. The plant produces a syrupy liquid in the bottom of the pitcher that attracts, and drowns, potential prey. The walls are coated with a waxy substance, so when an insect slips inside it can’t escape, and the plant has ample time to digest its new meal.

5. Sensitive Plant (Mimosa pudica)



The Sensitive Plant is native to Central and South America, and some parts of Africa and gets it name because its leaflets fold in and droop when they are touched. This is caused by a drop of pressure in certain cells, and leads to a very cool effect. The leaves also react to heat and light which causes the plant to fold up every evening.

4. Aloe Vera Plant



Unlike most medicinal plants that have to be processed, cooked, or dissolved to use, the Aloe Plant is naturally ready. Simply break one of the leaves in half and you will find Aloe Vera, a gel that helps relieve the pain of sun burn. Some claim that it has additional healing properties, but there have not been sufficient studies to give conclusive evidence.

3. Rafflesia arnoldii

[img]http://www.parasiticplants.siu.edu/Rafflesiaceae/images/RafflesiaArnFlw1.jpg[/img]

This flower was discovered in 1822 during a jungle expedition in Sumatra, and is considered to be the largest flower in the world. It can grow to be up to one meter in diameter, and weigh as much as 25 lbs. Despite its size, it is incredibly difficult to find because it takes 9-21 months for plant to develop, and the flower lasts for a maximum of five days. Some who have been able to come in contact with the flower describe it as smelling like a decomposing carcass.

2. Sundew (Drosera)



The Sundew is a carnivorous plant that is covered in small glands that protrude from its stem and produce a viscous liquid. Insects are attracted to the secretions, and when they come in contact with them they become trapped. Over time the plant’s tendrils fold around the prey and produce enzymes that digest it.

1. Venus Flytrap (Dionaea muscipula)



The Venus Flytrap is the most well-known carnivorous plant, and is especially amazing to watch. There are small trigger hairs on the leaves which causes them to fold together when they are touched. The leaves close in less than a second, and the teeth-like spikes on the edge keep larger insects from escaping. The Venus Flytrap is native only to the nitrogen-poor bogs and savannas in North and South Carolina, US.

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