Q: Dionaea: the Venus flytrap
'Jaws'
Yum
Grrr!
A: Dionaea muscipula is not just the Venus flytrap, of course it is the
famous Venus flytrap.
In order to maintain a certain uniformity to this section of the FAQ, I will address the questions for the famous Venus flytrap
in the same order and format as I do for the other carnivorous genera. However, since the FAQ has an
entire separate section devoted to the famous Venus flytrap,
I will avoid answering the same questions twice by simply linking
to the parts of the FAQ where I have already artfully answered the questions.
How big will my Venus flytrap get?
How does a Venus flytrap sense prey?
Exactly how does a Venus flytrap's leaves close so fast?
How did the Venus flytrap get its name?
On a vaguely related note, I have frequently been asked how to spell the plant's common name. Some people
write "Venus Fly Trap," others prefer "Venus' Fly Trap."
In the FAQ I used to prefer "Venus Flytrap," but now I use "Venus flytrap," so there really isn't any
consistency. I have seen several other variant spellings used--enthusiasts in the
carnivorous plant world often use "VFT," which is quite convenient! Fastidious observance of protocol is only required when
you are using the plant's Latin name, Dionaea muscipula Soland. ex Ellis.
Page citations: Nelson, E.C., and McKinley, D.L. 1990; Rice, B.A. 2006a;
personal observations.
