Content
- The digestion of carnivorous plants
- Why do carnivores catch prey?
- This is how the digestion of carnivorous plants works
- How long does the digestion process last?
- Can carnivores digest all insects?
- Digestion works with secretions
- Tips
If the insect is too large, the carnivorous plant will have difficulty digesting it
The digestion of carnivorous plants
Carnivorous plants or carnivores are mainly grown because of their interesting fishing techniques. They catch prey animals that disintegrate them through secretions to gain nutrients. Interesting facts about the digestion of carnivorous plants.
Why do carnivores catch prey?
These plants grow in places where there are few nutrients. By catching prey they can ensure their nutrient supply.
This is how the digestion of carnivorous plants works
Meat-eating plants use very different methods to catch prey animals. Sundew and greasy grass form catches, which is covered with a sticky substance. On it stick insects. Pitcher plants and hose plants use catching devices into which the prey falls. The venus flytrap closes its trap and locks in the animal.
How the digestion works exactly, is not scientifically clarified. However, it is certain that after capturing a prey, the plants release secretions that dissolve the insects and release the nutrients.
All that remains is the indigestible chitin shell and legs. They are blown away in the wind by nature when the trap reopens.
How long does the digestion process last?
The length of the digestive process depends on the size of the prey. It can last from three to four days to ten days.
Can carnivores digest all insects?
In the traps and with the leaves, animals are caught that are not too big. Basically all insects could be digested, like:
Prey animals such as flies and wasps are too large for small carnivorous plant species. They can only be digested in the cups of the hose plants or the pitcher of the pitcher plant.
Digestion works with secretions
If the carnivorous plant can not release any secretions, no digestion takes place. The traps or leaves then die.
This is very good to see in the pitcher plant. In the cans is the digestive secretion. If this is accidentally spilled, the cans dry out. It also does not help to fill up with water.
Tips
Meat-eating plants should not be fed if possible. There is a great danger that you are doing too much good and also feeding the wrong thing. Carnivores can only digest live prey that is not too big.