Carnivorous plants are found all over the world. In Germany, some species of the genus, also known as carnivores, are represented. Most varieties grow in wet areas, especially in bogs. But there are also species that are native to the mountains.

The sundew also grows in humid areas in Germany

Which types of carnivores are native to Germany?

Five types of carnivores occur in Germany. It refers to:

  • Butterwort (Pinguicula)
  • Sundew (Drosera)
  • pitcher plant (Sarracenia)
  • Waterfalls (Aldrovanda)
  • water hose (Utricularia)

Occurrences are found in nature reserves in Baden-Württemberg, in East Frisia in Lower Saxony, in Schleswig-Holstein and in the Mecklenburg Lake District. Above all sundew species, some butterworts and water bladderworts can be found here.

Basically, it can be said that sundew prefers moorland areas, while butterworts and waterfalls are more likely to be found in the mountains.

This is how sundew and butterwort catch insects

The plants form trapping leaves that are coated with a sticky liquid. Small spines stand out on the sundew. Depending on the variety, the leaves turn red and attract smaller insects, such as mosquitoes, which cling to the leaves.

The plants then secrete a secretion that is used to release and digest the nutrients from the prey. Only the insect's chitinous armor and legs remain. They are removed by the wind.

This additional form of nutrition is necessary because carnivorous plants only occur in very nutrient-poor locations.

Native carnivorous plants are hardy

All species found here are hardy. They often recede completely in autumn and only sprout again in the following spring.

In the garden, all types of carnivorous plants can be kept outside in the bog bed all year round.

If native varieties are grown indoors, they must be overwintered in a cool place.

Carnivorous species in Germany are under nature protection

Carnivorous plants are dependent on the conditions of their locations. Carnivorous plants are becoming increasingly rare in Germany as a result of increasing development, mining of moors and other changed environmental conditions. They were therefore placed under nature protection.

You should therefore not dig up, cut off or pick carnivorous plants in the wild.

tips

The variety of carnivorous plants is huge. Around 700 different species from different genera are known to date. Many of the indoor plants tended here come from tropical, subtropical regions or rainforests.

Category:

Vegetable garden