Saturday, February 2, 2019

The Toilet Plant...!

Sometimes Mother Nature adapts in some strange and pretty disgusting ways, at least in our way of thinking. What appears gross to us, works for nature...or so it would seem. Here, from Listverse, is an example.

Nepenthes lowii—Toilet Plant



If this strange looking pitcher reminds you of a commode, it should; though capable of trapping and digesting live prey, this species has adapted over time to an even more abundant and far more disgusting food source; its sweet, sticky secretions are also attractive tree shrews, and seem to have fast-acting laxative properties. Some lowii specimens studied in 2009 appeared to have been subsisting exclusively on tree shrew feces, and also made use of stray bird droppings caught in their gaping gullets.

Like I said, it works for nature. Still it sorta grosses me out, ya know?

Coffee in the kitchen this morning!

8 comments:

Momlady said...

Ew, ew,ew. Will be away for a while. Catch you when I get back.

Rob said...

That is an odd story & a nasty looking plant... the spines look like teeth.

HermitJim said...

Hey Momlady...
Enjoy the mini-vacation. Get all warmed up and be safe!
Thanks for stopping by this morning!


Hey Rob...
The plant does look pretty nasty and they do look like teeth indeed.
Thanks for coming by this morning!

JO said...

Your right that's discusting.

Sorry late again had to do some things early this morning but I am so ready for a cup of coffee.

Mamahen said...

Late again..things are crazy around here at the moment...I will take time for a quick cup and ponder this nasty bit of nature:))

HermitJim said...

Hey Jo...
Late or not your coffee is waiting, dear!
Thanks for dropping by today!


Hey Mamahen...
She can swing between beauty and gross at times.
Thanks for stopping by today!

Dizzy-Dick said...

Never heard of this plant before. I think I liked it that was (grin).

HermitJim said...

Hey Dizzy...
I won't be growing one in my flower bed any time soon.
Thanks for the visit today!