Droseraceae
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Droseraceae is a taxonomic family of carnivorous flowering plants. The Venus Flytrap, and Sundews are the most familiar examples from this family. They are best known for their ability to digest and glean nutrients from insects, typically flies. Although not dependent totally upon insects, some member have lost the ability to sustain life with only photosynthesis.(Purves 726)
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Anatomy
Droseraceae plants are easiest to distinguish visibly. They function the same as any other plant with a xylem, phloem, stem and roots. However, their leaves have been modified to suit their habitual needs. In most cases, their leaves are covered with a sticky substance that traps unsuspecting insects. These plants also create small flowers. The Venus Fly Trap have small flowers. Most of these plants grow to about one foot tall.[1]
Reproduction
Droseraceae plants reproduce sexually, although they can reproduce asexually in some species. The reproductive part, the flower, becomes fertilized through pollination from other surrounding plants. It then produces a seed which in time may become a new plants. Pollination generally occurs from insects such as bees. The wind can also be a medium for pollinating a plant.[2]
Ecology
The Droseraceae plants, in their natural habitat, live in swampy areas. These areas have nitrogen and phosphorus deficient soil which is the reason they need to digest insects for further nutrients. These swampy or boggy areas have naturally acidic soil. It is necessary for most organism to have a lower pH to allow decomposition on insects and organism. The low pH soil helps allow these plants to perform this action. Plants in the Droseraceae family decompose their prey in different ways. (Purves 726)
Trapping and Digestive Methods
All of the plants in the Droseraceae family have unique ways of capturing and digesting their prey.
Venus Fly Trap
The Venus Fly Trap has modified leaves that are used in catching its prey. When idle the leaf is open like an open mouth. The leaf is lined with tiny sticky hairs that sense the presence of insects. The outside of the leaf has sharp point like projections that help keep the insect in. Whenever the hairs are touched the leaf will immediately close trapping the insect in. When this happens the leaf is filled with enzymes and other cells that decompose the insect gleaning the needed nutrients from its body. (Purves 726)
Sundew
The sundew has long modified leaves. These leaves make a ball shape and are covered with hairs. These hairs secret a sticky liquid which helps in securing its prey. When an insect lands on the leaf, the insect instantly will become stuck in the super-glue like liquid. Once the insect has been trapped, digestive enzymes are secreted from the leaf and decompose the insect completely. (Purves 726)
Gallery
 Venus Fly Trap (Dionaea muscipula) |
Venus Fly Trap (Dionaea muscipula) |
 Venus Fly Trap flower (Dionaea muscipula) |
 Venus Fly Trap (Dionaea muscipula) |
 Sundew Flower (Drosera capensis) |
 Australian Sundew (Drosera menziesii) |
Related References
- Droseraceae Wikipedia
- Reproduction Blackwell Publishing
- Purves, William K. et al. Life: The Science of Biology. Gordensville, VA. 2004.
See Also
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