In the poor soil of fens, marshes and bogs, sundews have evolved to be carnivorous.
While on a field course last fall in the Swan Valley of Western Montana, I visited a fen, a marshy, acidic, poorly-oxygenated area fed by groundwater and covered with hummocks of peat and moss. Peering closely down at the wet ground, I was intrigued by a small red plant called a sundew. As I watched, a miniature drama took place: one of the plant's leaves grabbed a passing dragonfly - an insect larger than itself - caught its wings, and pulled the insect closer. The rest of the leaves on the plant curled around the wiggling insect and held on.
A sundew is smaller than a coffee cup and boasts bright red leaves that grow in a star-like formation, radiating out from a central base. The plant uses its bright color and the sugary substance produced on its leaves to lure insects. Once prey touches the dewy, hair-like extensions on the leaves, the sundew grips the insect like a human fist grabbing an apple. Digestive enzymes break down the insect's tissues into nutrients the plant can absorb.
Besides their carnivorous habits and biological beauty, the roots, flowers and capsules of sundew have been used medicinally for centuries to remedy dry coughs, asthma and bronchitis.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=CPzwPKLEwjU
(Broadcast: "Fieldnotes," 3/22/15. Listen weekly on the radio, Sundays at 12:55 p.m., or via podcast.)
