The fascinating world of predatory plants is set to come alive as a new exhibit opens at The Green Planet, Dubai’s only indoor tropical rainforest.
Some of the world’s most extraordinary bug-eating flora including the Pitcher Plant, Venus FlyTrap and Sundew Plant are joining the botanical exhibition. The introduction of carnivorous plants to The Green Planet Dubai offers visitors the rare experience of seeing them up close.
Capable of reaching heights of up to three feet, Pitcher Plants stand tall with their tube-like leaves, expertly trapping unsuspecting insects. These plants flaunt flowers that resemble the colour of raw meat, further attracting flies, while secreting scents of nectar making it irresistible to other bugs.
The Venus Flytrap, the most famous of the carnivorous plants, is known for its rapid hunting tactics, consuming any insect that climbs inside it. The ‘traps’ of Venus Flytraps snap shut only when two hairs are touched rapidly, preserving energy for the perfect moment to strike. These remarkable plants can live for up to 20 years, making them the ultimate carnivorous survivors. Beautiful but deadly, Sundew Plants are known for their fascinating appearance and unique hunting approach. One of the largest groups of carnivorous plants with at least 194 species, these unique plants can be found in the icy lands of Alaska all the way to the exotic shores of New Zealand. Getting their name from the glistening dewdrops on their leaves, these cunning plants capture bugs with their enticing nectar, creating quite the sticky situation for the insect kingdom. Admission to the exhibit is included with the standard admission ticket to the indoor rainforest and visitors are encouraged to book their tickets to discover the gripping world of carnivorous plants.
Till September 3, biologists will be giving workshops at 3pm every day to teach visitors about these unique plants.