Protocarnivorous plant
A protocarnivorous plant is a plant that traps small animals (usually insects and arthropods) much like carnivorous plants do. Unlike carnivorous plants, these plants cannot get the nutritients from the trapped prey, though. The mechanisms of trapping are very similar to those developed by carnivorous plants. The problem is also one of definitions, as people do not agree what makes a carnivorous plant.
Protocarnivorous Plant Media
Mucilage-tipped bracts and immature flower of Passiflora foetida, a protocarnivorous plant.
Charles Darwin postulated that Erica tetralix might be carnivorous
Darlingtonia californica does not produce its own digestive enzymes.
Plumbago auriculata, showing the abundant trichomes present on the calyces.
A protocarnivorous flypaper trap below the flowers of Stylidium productum.
An assassin bug (Pameridea roridulae) on Roridula gorgonias, which obtains nutrients from its 'prey' via the droppings of the assassin bug.
The water reservoir of Dipsacus fullonum, a pitfall trap.
Nepenthes ampullaria is well-adapted to capture leaf litter.
