Pitcher plant

Nepenthes alata

At the end of each petiole, the pitcher plant transforms a leaf into a pitcher trap, which attracts insects. The insects fall into the pitcher, where they are submerged in a liquid consisting of water and enzymes that break down their bodies. The plant then absorbs the nutrients released in the process.

Most of the approximately 70 species of pitcher plants grow in damp and very nutrient-poor habitats, such as moors. Certain species also grow in the rainforest on slightly more nutrient-rich soils. These species may also use their pitcher plants as water reservoirs and absorb some of the nitrogen compounds through their roots.

Distribution

Madagascar, South-East Asia, New Guinea and Northern Australia

Number of related species

72, including two in Madagascar

Use

ornamental plant

Distribution

Madagascar, South-East Asia, New Guinea and Northern Australia

Number of related species

72, including two in Madagascar

Use

ornamental plant

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