Glowing Carnivorous Plants

National Geographic Society

The pitcher plant Nepenthes khasiana is seen in white light (left) and ultraviolet. Photograph courtesy Rajani Kurup, Anil J. Johnson, Sreethu Sankar, and Sabulal Baby

We all know that there are some people who are vegetarians, but did you know there are plants that eat meat? These plants eat unsuspecting insects that land on them. Like any good hunter these plants tend to lay traps to lure their dinners. They do this through appealing smells, bright colors, and yummy nectars. However, it has been discovered that some plants also glow under ultraviolet light! This blue glow is invisible to the human eye, but insects can see it and are attracted to it.

The plants have special cells that help them produce their glow. Scientists note that carnivorous plants tend to grow in poor soil, so they trap insects to get more nutrients.

Learn more about these glowing plants on National Geographic News Watch.

Comments

animals4life
March 3, 12:19 am

I have heard of these plants. They are pretty cool i think!
heghog66
March 3, 11:01 am

thats soo cool!
gummybears
March 5, 11:06 am

the one on the right is called a picther plant i think
gummybears
March 5, 11:08 am

hey heghog66 how old are you
ananyal
March 5, 6:20 pm

wow how do u become a NG reporter
justy10021
March 5, 6:34 pm

These plants are so interesting!
crista2115
March 8, 9:31 am

that is asome that plants are beautiful
EJ :)
April 9, 3:14 am

cool…glowing plants neva heard of those beofre though lol