Page 12 - may2020_Neat

sc gardens - plant enthusiasts

Carnivorous Plants

There are over 10 species of carnivorous plants
indigenous to Botswana, mostly all are aquatic in the
Okavango region. They are highly prized by collectors,
especially the waterwheel, Aldrovanda vesiculosa, which
captures small aquatic invertebrates.

Carnivorous Plants are usually categorized by their trap
method: Active, Semi-active, or Passive.
Active: Around the world the Venus Flytrap, Dionaea
muscipula, is probably the most well known, while Bladder-
worts are often overlooked until they are in flower.
However, Bladderworts, like our indigenous Utricularia species
can ingest a large number of mosquito larvae and are
ecologically valuable.
Semi-Active: The next most well known are Drosera species,
the Sundews. These generally have numerous sticky glands
covering the upper leaf surfaces acting like flypaper e.g
Drosera madagascariensis (Botswana), and after capture, the
leaves will bend around to contain the prey.
Passive: Pitcher plants have prominent, decorative trap leaves
that are basically tubular and usually topped with a hood, and
lure insects with various methods into their ‘pitfall’ traps, such
as Sarracenia leucophylla (top), Sarracenia purpurea (middle), and
Nepenthes, Hanging Pitcher Plants, native to Southeast Asia
(bottom).
Cultivating carnivorous plants needn’t be too difficult if you
have a pond in your garden, Utricularia species thrive among
reed species like Cyperus, and waterlilies; all commonly found
in our ponds. Aldrovanda, the Waterwheel is a tricky plant, and
prefers low nutrient clear water in a semi-shaded environment.
Sundews and Venus flytraps like to be kept moist, but not
soggy or dry, and they prefer rainwater or mineral-free water.
Our tap water usually contains minerals and salts that will
quickly kill them. Protect them from excessive wind, harsh
sunlight, and especially cold winter temperatures.
Text & photos by S.C

SC GARDENS: CONSULTATION SERVICES
CALL: 75435290/EMAIL: sc.gardens@yahoo.com
pg 12