Notes on the savage sprout
Notes so far on the savage sprout:
The outward resemblance is the most like that of various types of pitcher plant. I suspect the digestive enzymes are located similarly, in a pool at the bottom of the 'trap'. The problem of pitcher overflow is resolved similar to in the genus Sarracenia, through development of an operculum. In this case the specially-developed leaflet effectively seals instead of simply covering the opening of the rolled-leaf tube. Most likely this also aids in preventing the escape of the prey.
I have yet to see whether the digestive enzymes are also similar to Sarracenia and contain certain enzymes, or if the sprout relys on bacterial digestion as does the genus Heliamphora. I suspect more likely the former.
Despite this resemblance, the main trapping mechanism used seems to be a form of suction. While this is present to an extent in a few carnivores such as the bladderwort (genus Utricularia), the largest traps in those are in aquatic varieties and they do not prey on anything larger than the fish fry. I have never before seen a plant that could pull someone off of their feet as this one is capable of.
They also have another most unusual attack in that they blow pollen at their prey. I have not yet had a chance to study the properties of the pollen and how it might aid in the prey capture.
As for the almost animal-like motion in both the sprout and venomous tentacula, my current theory is that it is based on rapid changes in cell turgor - the cells expanding or contracting by quickly altering their water content. This is part of the method responsible for the rapid motion of the venus flytrap (Dionaea muscipula), although it also works by the trap being in an unstable condition when open.
Then there is the curious puzzle of its evolution. Most carnivorous plants develop under extreme conditions, usually where both sunlight and water are readily available but needed nutrients are not present in the soil. Most, but not all, are bog plants.
Here are my findings so far on the Stonecutter's Field region of Nay Island.
The area has very shallow soil, with abundance of limestone deposits. It is high in calcium, but severely lacking in nitrogen, phosphate, and iron. Altogether it reminded me of the general growing conditions for Pinguicula valisneriifolia.
I should remember to check for the presence of nitrate reductase in the sprout. If it is missing, this would indicate that the plant can actually no longer use the nitrates found in the soil and has evolved to be almost entirely dependant upon finding prey.
They are usually found in patches of deep grass, and while I have no way to chart the rainfall of the area I suspect there must be adequate water based on the usual development of predatory species: the less limiting light and water are, and the more limiting soil nutrients are, the higher the optimum investment in carnivory. And this one is a very obvious predator.
Another matter I should make careful note of as autumn sets in here, is whether the carnivorous behavior is seasonal. Sarracenia spp. produce flat leaves in winter when there are too little bugs and light to make the formation of pitchers efficient.
The development of such an extremely obvious predator is a most curious find indeed. Normally carnivorous tendancies in plants are simply not that efficient enough to be viable, and yet these are quite obviously thriving at what is usually a last ditch effort by evolution to produce a plant that can survive in an area with insufficient nutrients.
It is fascinating. I do hope it is awake soon.
The outward resemblance is the most like that of various types of pitcher plant. I suspect the digestive enzymes are located similarly, in a pool at the bottom of the 'trap'. The problem of pitcher overflow is resolved similar to in the genus Sarracenia, through development of an operculum. In this case the specially-developed leaflet effectively seals instead of simply covering the opening of the rolled-leaf tube. Most likely this also aids in preventing the escape of the prey.
I have yet to see whether the digestive enzymes are also similar to Sarracenia and contain certain enzymes, or if the sprout relys on bacterial digestion as does the genus Heliamphora. I suspect more likely the former.
Despite this resemblance, the main trapping mechanism used seems to be a form of suction. While this is present to an extent in a few carnivores such as the bladderwort (genus Utricularia), the largest traps in those are in aquatic varieties and they do not prey on anything larger than the fish fry. I have never before seen a plant that could pull someone off of their feet as this one is capable of.
They also have another most unusual attack in that they blow pollen at their prey. I have not yet had a chance to study the properties of the pollen and how it might aid in the prey capture.
As for the almost animal-like motion in both the sprout and venomous tentacula, my current theory is that it is based on rapid changes in cell turgor - the cells expanding or contracting by quickly altering their water content. This is part of the method responsible for the rapid motion of the venus flytrap (Dionaea muscipula), although it also works by the trap being in an unstable condition when open.
Then there is the curious puzzle of its evolution. Most carnivorous plants develop under extreme conditions, usually where both sunlight and water are readily available but needed nutrients are not present in the soil. Most, but not all, are bog plants.
Here are my findings so far on the Stonecutter's Field region of Nay Island.
The area has very shallow soil, with abundance of limestone deposits. It is high in calcium, but severely lacking in nitrogen, phosphate, and iron. Altogether it reminded me of the general growing conditions for Pinguicula valisneriifolia.
I should remember to check for the presence of nitrate reductase in the sprout. If it is missing, this would indicate that the plant can actually no longer use the nitrates found in the soil and has evolved to be almost entirely dependant upon finding prey.
They are usually found in patches of deep grass, and while I have no way to chart the rainfall of the area I suspect there must be adequate water based on the usual development of predatory species: the less limiting light and water are, and the more limiting soil nutrients are, the higher the optimum investment in carnivory. And this one is a very obvious predator.
Another matter I should make careful note of as autumn sets in here, is whether the carnivorous behavior is seasonal. Sarracenia spp. produce flat leaves in winter when there are too little bugs and light to make the formation of pitchers efficient.
The development of such an extremely obvious predator is a most curious find indeed. Normally carnivorous tendancies in plants are simply not that efficient enough to be viable, and yet these are quite obviously thriving at what is usually a last ditch effort by evolution to produce a plant that can survive in an area with insufficient nutrients.
It is fascinating. I do hope it is awake soon.