Family: Droseraceae
Common Name: Venus's Fly Trap

This fascinating plant from North America is probably one of the world's best known because of its carnivorous habit. The Venus's fly trap is immortalized in numerous books and horror movies.

Species

D. muscipula, Venus's fly trap, is the only species, growing to around 10-15 cm (4-6 in). It has a rosette of twin-lobed leaves, with sensitive sticky hairs on the upper surface and toothed edges, and spikes of very small, white flowers above the rosette in summer. But what it is renowned for is its ability to trap insects and digest them. Insects touch the leaves and are enfolded in the lobes.

Cultivation

Dionaea can be grown outdoors in mild climates but most people prefer to grow it in a shallow pot in a cool greenhouse or con­servatory. It needs an acid compost consisting of equal parts peat and lime-free horticultural sand. Provide bright light, but shade the plant from direct sun. Stand the pot in a dish of water to keep the compost wet. In autumn and winter the plant is dormant, and should be kept only barely moist. In the garden it likes full sun and very moist, acid soil.

Climate

At least zone 8.