Waterwheel Plant
The Waterwheel Plant or Aldrovanda vesiculosa is an extraordinary carnivorous plant. Genetically, it is closely related to the Venus Flytrap. This plant species, however, isaquatic and entirely free-floating! The name derives from the fact that the whorls are arranged around a central, free-floating stem. Despite being aquatic, it is one of the few carnivorous plants capable of rapid movement. And in fact, that movement is extremely rapid.
Waterwheel Plant Distribution The underwater “traps” actually consist of two separate lobes, lined with fine “hairs.” These trigger the trapping reflex when they are touched. The plant feeds upon small aquatic invertebrates. When activated, the “traps” close within 10-20 milliseconds! The Waterwheel plant is actually the most widely distributed of all known carnivorous plants, however its population has declined over the last century to only 50 confirmedextant populations worldwide. It is endemic to Asia, Africa, Australia, and Europe. It is spread mainly through the movement of waterfowl – plants sticking to the feet of a bird are transported to the next aquatic destination on the bird’s route. As a result, most Waterwheel plant populations are located along avian migratory routes. Throughout the last century the species has become increasingly rare, listed as extinct in an increasingly large number of countries. It is most commonly found in warm, shallow standing water, within brightly lit areas .
