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A monotypic genus restricted to a small area of North and South Carolina in the USA, D.muscipula is probably the most famous carnivorous plant in the world, with several million produced annually for the world horticultural trade. Until a few years ago, the majority of these were collected from the wild due to their slow-growing nature (3-4 years to adulthood from seed,) and the wild population shrank alarmingly. Now, thanks to the wonders of modern technology, tissue culture is now fast gaining ground as the main supply method of choice for these fascinating plants. It is to be hoped that they will not continue to dwindle in their natural habitat.

This plant has evolved hinged leaf blades capable of snapping shut on unsuspecting insects which are then digested with proteolytic enzymes secreted from special glands on the inside of the trap. Such is the speed of movement that insects are usually unable to escape as the trap closes around them in as little as 1/30th of a second! Curiously, this sp. has even evolved the ability to count... admittedly only up to 2, but that's pretty good going for a plant! The trigger hairs which are mounted inside the trap, require 2 stimulations (either 1 hair twice, or 2 separate hairs,) within 20-30 seconds or so, or the trap will remain unsprung. This guards, to some extent, against the accidental triggering of the trap by falling twigs, raindrops, etc. which would cause the plant to expend energy unnecessarily.

Cultivation: Easily cultivated in 2:1 peat:sand, kept standing in 1" water from March to October, but a winter dormancy is necessary with reduced water and temps. Half hardy (min: -5ºC,) can be overwintered outdoors in protected spots in the South of England, or if mulched with 6-12" straw for the winter. Despite what you may read in books that ought to know better, you should not feed these plants dead flies, bits of meat, etc. - live prey is required to stimulate enzyme production by struggling in the tightening trap. Dead meat will just rot the traps.

A beautiful clone, this one is completely anthocyanin-free, remaining light green even in the strongest sun. This (and the following,) form does not come true from seed, and, as the name suggests, must be propagated vegetatively.

Recently a number of cultivars have been developed that exhibit extreme colouring, turning the whole plant burgundy in full sun. These make spectacular specimens for a sunny windowsill, or beautifully contrasting pond marginals, surrounded with green mosses or other ground cover.

Another newly developed form, though several distinct clones are available, the traps of these plants are bluntly serrated, rather than fringed with the usual fine bristles. The dentate habit is usually only apparent on larger adult traps, and even then may disappear temporarily after repotting, but makes for a very striking specimen. Most of these plants exhibit a primarily erect habit, with long, slender petioles.