Parts of a Plant

We just learned that most plants have the same basic parts. Though they may look different from one another, most plants have roots, stems, leaves, flowers, and fruits. Usually, leaves are responsible for changing energy from the sun into energy for the plant in a process known as photosynthesis. The Venus flytrap, however, does things a little bit differently. Instead of photosynthesizing, their leaves are responsible for catching small bugs and eating them - yes, eating them!

The Venus flytrap is a carnivorous plant found in a small part of the eastern United States. While parts of the Venus flytrap can photosynthesize for energy, they get most of the energy and nutrients they need from eating insects, spiders, and other small animals. Venus flytrap leaves are shaped like claws and produce a sweet smell that attracts bugs looking to feed on fruit or nectar. When bugs come to investigate the smell, they bump small, hair-like structures inside the leaf that causes it to snap shut like a trap! Once caught, the Venus flytrap produces digestive material that breaks down the insect just like our stomachs do when we eat. It can take up to 10 days to fully digest their food and, once digestion is complete, the trap reopens and waits for another unsuspecting victim.