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The
Venus Flytrap (Dionaea Muscipula)
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The
Venus Fly Trap is one of the few moving carnivorous plants
in cultivation today. Its dynamic trapping method has been
the topic of much intrigue throughout many centuries, captivating
even Charles Darwin, who referred to it as “The most wonderful
plant in the world”
Through
this strange plant is very popular with most people, sadly
it is nearing extinction in its natural habitat due to mans
attempts at agriculture and also because of collectors. Attempts
to naturalize this plant in many areas have failed, and soon
the Venus Fly Trap will join the ever growing list of extinct
species.
The
Venus Flytrap relies on a sweet smelling nectar inside the
trap to allure its prey. While its main choice of diet is
a variety of house flys, sometimes spiders or even in rare
cases small frogs may be caught in the wild. Once inside the
lobes of the trap, there are several small trigger hairs.
Stimulated once, nothing happens. Twice and “SLAM”. Depending
on how hungry the plant is, the speed of the closure can vary.
The plant uses cell growth to enable it to close. It is one
of the quickest growth rates recorded anywhere in nature.
The insect being trapped continues to move, stimulating the
plant further, and prompting enzyme production. This is what
digests the fly, giving the plant all it needs in dietary
supplements.
All
plants sold are in perfect health and are potted in the correct
media. They are professionally labeled also. These are especially
popular with children and anyone with an enquiring mind. Many
other growers force grow this plant under lights, with fertilisers
and heating. The result is a superb looking plant that will
probably die as the shock of leaving such an environment will
probably kill it. We do everything as naturally as possible,
and to date have had no complaints of our stock being soft.
As a general rule, with Venus Flytraps, if they look too good
to be true they normally are. Go for plants that look tough.
That way you'll have good strong plants for years to come.
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Pitcher
Plants (Sarracenia)
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Pitcher
Plants range in size and function quite dramatically. Generally
however the “pitchers” resemble a funnel with a lid supported over
the top. These plants are extremely efficient, catching, in the
right conditions, hundreds of flies in each trap.
Originating
in Eastern North America and Canada, these plants too are nearing
extinction. Potato fields are taking Pitcher Plant territory wiping
out the last traces of them from the face of the planet. Already
several species feature on the CITIES index, preventing further
import or export.
A
pitcher plant works by emitting a faint sweet smell; the promise
of food. The fly lands on the lid of the pitcher and enjoys a good
meal. Then it realises that there is more food under the hood. It
moves towards the neck of the trap, where this abundant supply of
nectar is located. While the fly is eating however, its feet are
slowing getting clogged up with wax. The inevitable happens. The
wax reduces the flys grip on the side of the trap and it falls to
its death in the trap, where it is digested.
Pitcher
Plants are exceptionally easy to grow....just add sun and water!
It’s that simple. Never fertilize them...they catch their own.
The
plants that we have for sale are usually around 5 - 7 years old
and are very healthy. Being herbaceous perennials they die down
in winter, ready to create an abundance of fresh growth in the spring.
Most of the species and hybrids are still very rare, being isolated
in peoples own personal collections. We offer a wide range for sale.
Prices vary according to rarity and size. Some are only available
for exchange.
For
general retail purposes we have a selection of very elegant plants,
all professionally potted in the correct media and labeled by genus.
Alternatively for the collector, we have
complete plant lists available.
Sarracenia
also produce an incredible flower in the spring comparable to a
particularly beautiful orchid. They are very long lasting and are
an item of interest in any home, if the traps themselves aren't
captivating enough for you! These plants are real intrigues and
are very popular where ever they are available. Quantities are limited
and so we operate on a first in first served basis. Postal insurance
is an option worth considering when ordering plants. They look great
in a contemporary or classical home!
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Sundews
(Drosera)
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Perhaps
some of the most jewel like plants in the world, the Sundews
are deadly to insects. The leaves, being covered by small
hairs form a death trap to any unwary insect. Each hair is
alighted with a crown of glistening mucilage......the strongest
glue in nature. The insect, looking for food visits the spheres
of “nectar” on which it hopes to feed. It sticks. The insect
struggles violently to escape but only succeeds in bringing
more hairs into contact with itself. Finally the animal suffocates
and dies, providing nourishment for the plant. In some species
the hairs actually bend over the victim in a death snare!
Morbid and Stunning! We sell these plants in pots of 3 - 4
plants to really catch the eye. All plants are healthy and
are potted in the correct media. The plants are labeled according
to genus. The average age of the plants offered is between
two and three years. This genus is especially effective in
catching moths, small flies and white fly. Just keep them
in full sun and in a tray of fresh water. No fertilizer....the
plants catch their own!!!
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The Albany
Pitcher Plant (Cephalotus Follicularis)
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Some
of the most bizarre of the carnivorous plants are the Albany
Pitcher Plants, from Western Australia. Their leaves look
like armour and are deadly to insects. The pitchers range
in colour from green through to dark red, and a plant may
have up to 6 on it at any one time. They are very easy to
grow if they have been propagated well - ie, not on heat or
under lights. Our plants are very very hardy.Very limited
numbers.
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