News in Brief Plants

Bacteria help carnivorous plants drown their prey

Microbes alter surface tension in the water traps of pitcher plants

pitcher plants in California

BETTER DROWNING Hooded, yellow-green California pitcher plants are quick to engulf insects in inner water traps, thanks to lurking bacteria.

D. Armitage

By Susan Milius

- More than 2 years ago

Bacteria may be a meat-eating plant’s best friends thanks to their power to reduce the surface tension of water.

The carnivorous pitcher plant Darlingtonia californica releases water into the tall vases of its leaves, creating deathtraps where insect prey drown.