238 



BOTANY 



death of the insect caught by the leaf, a copious excretion of digestive sap takes 



FIG. 2ns. Leaves of Droxera rotttndifolia. That on the left is viewed from above, that DM the 

 right from the side. (At'tei DARWIN enlarged.) 



Fio. 209. A leaf of Dionaca muscipula, showing the 

 sensitive bristles on its upper surface, which, in the 

 parts shaded, is also thickly beset with digestive 

 glands. (After DARWIN, enlarged.) 



place from glandular hairs on the leaf surface, 

 followed by the absorption of the products of 

 the digestive solution. In the case of other 

 well-known insectivorous plants (Nepenthes, 

 Cepkalotus, Sarracenia, Darlingtonia), the traps 

 for the capture of animal food are formed by 

 the leaves which grow in the shape of pitchers 

 (Figs. 46, 210). These trap-like receptacles are 

 partially filled with a watery fluid excreted from 

 glands on their inner surfaces. Enticed by 

 secretions of honey to the rim of the pitcher 

 (in the case of Nepenthes), and then slipping 

 on the extraordinarily smooth surface below 



F 



Fi<;. L'ln. 1'itrheivd leal 1 of a tfeptn&O, 

 A portion of the lateral wall of the 

 pitcher has been removed in order to 

 show the fluid (f). excreted liy the 

 leaf -glands. (Red need.) 



