Pitcher plants (Nepenthes sp.) growing on a tree. Pitcher plants are able to grow on soils with very few nutrients because they have evolved the abili

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Pitcher plants (Nepenthes sp.) growing on a tree. Pitcher plants are able to grow on soils with very few nutrients because they have evolved the ability to catch and digest insects. ÂThe interior of the 'vase' or 'trumpet' is slippery and contains downward-pointing spikes so that once an insect has entered it will be unable to leave, slipping to the bottom. Liquid at the base contains digestive enzymes which digest the insects, providing phosphorus and nitrogen for the plants. ÂPhotographed in Bako National Park, Sarawak in Malaysia.

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Size: 2427px × 3650px
Photo credit: © MATTHEW OLDFIELD/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

Keywords: asia, asian, bako, biological, biology, botanical, botany, carnivorous, cup-shaped, exotic, flower, insectivorous, malaysia, multiple, national, nature, nepenthes, park, pitcher, plant, plants, sarawak, sp., trap, tree, tropical