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The sundew.
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The Sundew (Druchtín Móna) is the most common insectivorous plant of the blanket bogs. It traps unwary insects on sticky pads on its leaves and then produces an enzyme which breaks down the insect into a form which can be readily absorbed by the plant. This is just one adaptation which bog plants have developed in response to the nutrient-poor conditions of the bog. It is estimated that a single sundew may catch up to 2,000 insects every year.
The butterworth.
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The butterworth (An Liath Uisce) is our most striking of insectivorous plants with its yellow-green leaves which secrete insect dissolving enzymes and its attractive purple flower. The butterworth traps insects on a sticky substance it produces. The enzymes help to break down the insects and absorb it into the plant. In some varieties of butterworths, the edge of the leaves roll inwards to help stop the prey escaping.
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