It's perfectly safe as long as he doesn't touch the trigger hairs* inside the trap.
Via Lost Found and Envied.
*Each leaf of the trap contains 3 trigger hairs, of which 2 or more have to be stimulated in succession (ie, within a few seconds of each other) for the trap to close. This type of triggering best simulates an insect crawling on it, so the plant doesn't waste energy closing on, for example, a raindrop. [hat tip to Spyra for providing details re the trigger]
Each leaf of the trap contains 3 trigger hairs, of which 2 or more has to be stimulated in succession (ie, within a few seconds of each other) for the trap to close. This type of triggering best simulates an insect crawling on it, so the plant doesn't waste energy closing on, for example, a raindrop. Each trap can only close/reopen 2-3 times, and doesn't reopen once it's caught a meal. To close the trap, the plant rapidly releases water into the cells on the outside, elongating the outside cells relatively to the inside cells, forcing the structure to "collapse" inward. If you ever get one or see one at a garden store you want to poke, try flicking the triggers (remember- 2 or more in an "insect-like manner") with a toothpick to watch it close. The first time I did this, it scared me how quickly the trap closed! It's quite fun and cool to show friends. :D (and if you're feeding it sufficiently, you shouldn't have to worry about wasting its energy to close the trap.)
ReplyDeleteUnrelated, but I really like this blog because of the inquisitive way you approach each subject you write about (and so I feel more comfortable commenting on things I have some expertise in). Yay for the pursuit of knowledge! :D
You're absolutely correct; I was too hasty in my description - modified.
ReplyDeleteThanx.
stan