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Sundew carnivorous plant leaf, SEM
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Sundew carnivorous plant leaf, SEM
Sundew leaf. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of the sticky stalks (red) on the leaf of a cape sundew (Drosera capensis), a carnivorous plant. The stalks are tipped with a secretion that acts as a glue, trapping any insect that lands on the plant. Once an insect is trapped, the leaf curls around it. Digestive enzymes are then secreted, which convert the insect into nutrients for the plant. This ability allows the sundew to live in nutrient-poor soils, such as those found in marshland. Magnification: x18 at 6x7cm size
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Media ID 9194181
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Adhesive Carnivore Carnivorous Carnivorous Plants Drosera Capensis Glands Glue Horizontal Insectivorous Secretion Secretions Secretory Sticky Sundew
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This print showcases the intricate beauty of a sundew carnivorous plant leaf. The coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) reveals the fascinating details of this botanical wonder. The image focuses on the sticky stalks, which are depicted in vibrant red hues, found on the surface of a cape sundew leaf (Drosera capensis). These stalks possess a unique secretion that acts as an adhesive glue, serving as a deadly trap for unsuspecting insects. The sundew's survival strategy is truly remarkable. Once an insect lands on its sticky surface, it becomes ensnared and unable to escape. In response, the leaf curls around its prey, ensuring there is no chance for escape. To further aid in its nutrient acquisition, digestive enzymes are secreted by glands within the plant. These enzymes break down and convert the trapped insect into vital nutrients that sustain the sundew's growth. This incredible adaptation allows sundews to thrive even in nutrient-poor soils like those found in marshlands. By preying upon insects and utilizing their bodies as nourishment, these carnivorous plants have developed an ingenious method to supplement their diet and overcome challenging environmental conditions. With a magnification of x18 at 6x7cm size, this SEM image provides us with an up-close look at nature's ingenuity and reminds us of the diverse strategies employed by plants to survive and flourish in various habitats.
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