Is the Venus Flytrap a Flower?
When you see something that eats insects, what flashes your mind? You probably think of birds or bats. How about plants? You may argue how a plant can eat insects or such things. However, that’s true!
There are many types of carnivorous plants that eat meat. Venus flytrap is one such example and is considered a flowering plant, not a flower.
Why is Venus flytrap a flowering plant?
By this point, you may have several questions in your mind. The most apparent confusion probably relates to the diet of the plant. You may even wonder – how can you classify a meat-eating thing as a flowering plant? Well, there are many reasons to support the argument.
First of all, a Venus flytrap conducts photosynthesis like any other plant. Photosynthesis is a process by which flowers/plants prepare their food. They tap carbon dioxide and convert it into carbon (their primary source of energy) using sunlight. As a waste, they give out oxygen that purifies the air.
So, the energy produced through photosynthesis is their main diet. And the flytraps supplement their diet with small insects.
Also, like other plants, it lacks mobility in relation to its ability to move from one location to another.
Scientific classification or taxonomy of Venus flytrap:
Each species of plant have its taxonomy, also called scientific classification. Let’s understand the taxonomy of this carnivorous plant. It’s categorized into the plant kingdom. Furthermore, it falls into the Anthophyta Phylum group. All members of the group produce flowers. The plant is grouped in the Magnoliopsida class.
Anything covered in this class has seeds consisting of two distinct embryo leaves. Since the plant eats insects and bugs, it comes into the droceraceae family. The above taxonomy highlights the characteristics of the Venus flytrap and clarifies why it’s termed as a flowering plant.
Anatomy of Venus flytrap
People usually associate anatomy with muscles and bones. However, plants also have anatomy. In simple terms, anatomy is the physical makeup of any living creature. So, like animals, plants have their anatomy. It’s this physical makeup that distinguishes the plant from animals. Let’s dig deeper to find out more.
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How the Venus flytrap's anatomy makes it a flowering plant?
The main part of this carnivorous plant is somewhat circular. It lies pretty close to the ground. The plant has long, flat stalk leaves that run out from the central point.
The leafstalks also lie close to the ground. They grow out of the plant. The leaves perform photosynthesis. The plant has roots and can get and water and limited nutrients from the soil. Still, you’ve to take proper care of the plant to ensure it flourishes as desired. If you grow the plant at home, you should try to skip the flowering process for the betterment of the plant.
Conclusion about Venus flytrap:
Although Venus flytrap eats bugs and insects, it isn’t an animal or bird. It has roots, leaves, and flowers and performs photosynthesis like other plants. So, it’s classified as a flowering plant. However, the plant needs due care and attention on your end for proper growth.
