Shay's thoughts on Botany

This article discusses an interesting plant found in the mountains of the Philippians. This plant, pictured below and given the scientific name of Nepenthes attenboroughii, is a carnivorous plant.  One of the most known carnivorous plants is the Venus Fly Trap. This plant is an interesting find because it can catch larger animals than insects.  Back in 2000, two Christian missionaries found this plant when climbing Mount Victoria in the Philippines.  After being rescued, these missionaries told scientists about this interesting find along with exotic looking mushrooms. In 2007, researchers set out to find this exotic plant.  This carnivorous plant was different than any other plant that has ever been found.  According to the article, this "giant meat-eating plant" can catch a small rodent such as a rat. 

Image of Nepenthes attenboroughii from http://news.bbc.co.uk/earth/hi/earth_news/newsid_8195000/8195029.stm

Before reading this article, I never really thought about the various carnivorous plants and how big they can be.  To be honest, I was dreading discussing plants.  I have never been an outdoorsy type person, and plants were just a part of that.  Over the past few days of all of my classes, I have learned that plants are a huge part of what I want to go into...medicine.  This is given me a new devotion to studying and learning about the biggest part of our world.  We as humans rely on plants for lots of different things such as food, medicine, fragrances, and numerous others.  In addition to the many practical uses of plants, something I have always admired is the beauty of plants.  Don't get me wrong, some plants are very ugly, but some are extremely beautiful, too.  On Wednesday in class, we discussed how Alabama is one of the most diverse states in regards to the number of plant species.  Everywhere you look in Alabama, you will see some kind of plant.  My hope for this class is that it will increase my interest in plants and help me to see how truly important plants are to this world.