Vine's Flora Friday: Carnivorous Bromeliads

Most think of a tropical plant with long cupped leaves growing from the center when "bromeliad" comes to mind. Perhaps with a gentle pool of water in the center which a motherly frog converted into a nursery for her young. Most do not think of a treacherous, flesh eating creature lurking in the depths of the jungle.

Carnivorous bromeliads are surprisingly rare in the bromeliad family, considering the most bromeliads automatically trap insects in the pools of water contained by their cupped leaves.  Many scientists find this an oddity that carnivorous bromeliads are in the minority, considering that they're set up to evolve a taste for insects. But the Bible says in Genesis that He created the world in six days, and that He has made every living thing the way He wants.

These bromeliads, spanning several genus's, capture their prey using a simple method "borrowed" from pitcher plants, another fascinating carnivorous plant. They simply wait until a juicy bug, perhaps mistaking the plant's leaf configuration for a nectar-filled flower, stumbles into the pool of water and digestive juices in the center of the plant. Of course, this occurs normally with most other bromeliads. Simple acidic chemicals and slippery walls differentiate between the types of bromeliads and make it easier for them to catch arthropods. Not only do the walls have a waxy, slippery coating, but a layer of white, UV-reflective power. As insects' eyes can absorb UV light waves, the power causes the plant to stand out like a neon light to any unsuspecting insects. The presence of water, previously deceased insect, and sweet, sticky secretions also add to the attractive attributes of the botanical predator.

These strange bromeliads demonstrate the creative particularity of God in a fascinating way.