A new carnivorous plant lineage ( <i>Triantha</i> ) with a unique sticky-inflorescence trap
Qianshi Lin, Cécile Ané, Thomas J. Givnish, Sean W. Graham
Abstract
Significance Since Darwin’s ground-breaking monograph on carnivorous plants, scientists have recognized only 11 independent origins of plant carnivory. We report the discovery of a new lineage of carnivorous plants, represented by the North American flowering plant Triantha occidentalis . Among monocots, Triantha represents the only instance of a sticky-trap mechanism and a clearly documented case of holocarnivory, marked by enzymatic secretion consistent with prey digestion. Its trap is unique among carnivorous plants and, unexpected based on theory, in placing all of its prey-capture sites next to its insect-pollinated flowers. Given the existence of Triantha in close proximity to major urban centers on the Pacific coast, our study serves as a vivid reminder that other cryptic carnivores may yet remain to be discovered.