Carnivorous Plants

Botanical

by Dan Torre

An exploration of the science and cultural significance of carnivorous plants, now in paperback.

Carnivorous plants are a unique botanical group, possessing modified leaves to trap, kill, and consume small creatures. As a result, they are often depicted as killers in films and literature—from Audrey in Little Shop of Horrors to the world-dominating plants of The Day of the Triffids —yet many people regard carnivorous plants as exotic and beautiful specimens to collect and display.

In this abundantly illustrated and highly entertaining book, Dan Torre describes the evolution, structure, and scientific background of carnivorous plants. Examining their cultural and social history, he also shows how they have inspired our imagination and been represented in art, literature, cinema, animation, and popular culture.

From the Venus flytrap—a species endemic to the Carolinas—to pitcher plants, this fascinating history of these singular, arresting, beautiful, yet deadly plants is certain to be devoured.

Genres: Nonfiction, Plants

240 pages, Hardcover

Published July 10, 2019

Reviews

[Mark Reece]

This is an interesting introductory book that describes the different ways that carnivorous plants capture their prey, and also gives an overview of how the function of these plants were discovered.

The book's main strength is its photographs and illustrations, many of which are stunning. Pitcher plants are naturally photogenic, but the collections of images beautifully illustrate the flora described.

The latter half of the book describes how carnivorous plants have been described in popular culture, and feels shallow. It might have been interesting to have a sociological study; as it is, I'm not really interested in reading descriptions of B-movies and Batman.

It would also have been good to have more on the evolution of carnivorous plants, and more about how they fit into their environment. Nevertheless, this is a book that encourages further study, and that I will read again.

[Kerry Pickens]

This is one of the most interesting books I have read this year. It’s a small book but it discusses whether plants that absorb decayed animal matter through their roots should be considered as carnivorous; male botanists comparing the plants flowers to women’s genitalia; and carnivorous plants in popular media (from The Triffids to Pokemon).

[Autumn Kearney]

Carnivorous Plants is part of Reaktion’s Botanical series which is the first of its kind, integrating horticultural and botanical writing with a broader account of the cultural and social impact of trees, plants and flowers. It’s so much fun to read. Yes, even this book that contains plants that digests its food alive. Yuck!

[Arja]

This is extremely fascinating.