The mystery of the carnivorous plant that can digest vertebrates

Nepenthes rajah - a seemingly gentle plant but has the hidden ability to digest animals, surprising and frightening many people.

1. Nepenthes rajah has the largest pitcher in the pitcher plant family. The plant’s distinctive “pitcher” can hold up to 3.5 liters of water, which is where it traps and digests its prey. Photo: slate.com.

2. This plant can “eat” vertebrates. In addition to insects, Nepenthes rajah has been recorded as being able to trap and digest mice, lizards, and small frogs. Photo: Pinterest.

3. The tree only grows naturally in one place in the world . Nepenthes rajah is endemic to Mount Kinabalu and Mount Tambuyukon in Borneo, Malaysia. Photo: Pinterest.

4. This plant lives in nutrient-poor soil. To adapt to the nutrient-poor environment, it evolved into a carnivorous plant to supplement nutrients from its prey. Photo: Pinterest.

5. Nepenthes rajah has a symbiotic relationship with animals. Some small frogs and tree mice often live near or on trees to drink water and eat insects. Sometimes they have “accidents” and become prey of the tree. Photo: Pinterest.

6. Secretes powerful digestive fluids. The fluid in the plant's vase contains enzymes and acids that help quickly decompose prey carcasses to absorb nutrients. Photo: kyluc.vn.

7. The structure of the tree lid has an anti-overflow function. The lid on the jar helps prevent rainwater from overflowing, ensuring a stable acid concentration for effective digestion. Photo: monaconatureencyclopedia.com.

8. Nepenthes rajah is strictly protected. Because it is rare and vulnerable to illegal exploitation, this plant is listed as an international conservation species and monitored in the national parks where it is distributed. Photo: slate.com.

Source: https://khoahocdoisong.vn/bi-an-loai-cay-an-thit-co-the-tieu-hoa-dong-vat-co-xuong-post1555604.html