Curious World of Carnivorous Plants, The

Plants that trap and eat animals have inspired awe since before the days of Darwin. Lured into the danger zone by optical, tactile and olfactory strategies, the prey succumb to ingenious traps and face their doom. But unlike plants that temporarily catch insects for pollination, the true carnivores go considerably further: they digest them for the nutrients they need to survive in extremely inhospitable sites on land and in water. This exquisite, thoroughly up-to-date book, copiously illustrated with close-up photography, provides the first comprehensive listing of some 630 known carnivorous plant species, described in fascinating detail, with identification history, physiology, ecology and an extensive bibliography. It is an essential reference for hobbyist, naturalist and collector alike.