Carnivorous Plants
Carnivorous or insectivorous plants lure insects into death traps then gorge on their flesh. Is that any way for a plant to behave? It is this macabre aspect of their lives that attracts people to them in the first place. They are in fact specially adapted plants which derive some or most of their nutrients from trapping and consuming animals, typically small insects and other bugs. They grow in places where the soil is thin or poor in nutrients, especially nitrogen, such as acidic bogs and rock outcroppings.
Their “trapping” mechanisms are very varied as are the approaches they use to attract food. Some are active i.e. they move to catch and ensnare prey but most are passive. The most well-known is probably the Venus Fly Trap which is definitely an active species trapping its prey behind “bars”. Others such as the Pitcher Plant rely on insects falling into a pitcher shaped growth and still others use sticky leaves or tentacles to trap the prey.
To really appreciate these small delicate plants you have to get very close and thus they are ideal subjects for macro work.
Most of these photos were taken at a private carnivorous plant nursery in Suffolk where I run specialist macro workshops to allow you to take your own photos and with the help of Andy the owner; to learn more about these fascinating plants, their unique adaptions and the conditions in which they grow.
All visitors to these workshops come away with excellent photos, a greater knowledge and understanding of these plants and often a specimen to enable them to continue their photography and enjoyment of carnivorous plants at home. To learn more or book a place on this special workshop click here.
These photos are organised in the main groupings of carnivorous plants. Please click on each thumbnail to link to the gallery of photos. I fully intend to add more photos as I extend my knowledge of the subject. If you are interested in these special plants revisit this section regularly.
Please click gallery photo below to open each gallery and see more photos.