News in Brief Plants

Bacteria help carnivorous plants drown their prey

Microbes alter surface tension in the water traps of pitcher plants

pitcher plants in California

BETTER DROWNING Hooded, yellow-green California pitcher plants are quick to engulf insects in inner water traps, thanks to lurking bacteria.

D. Armitage

By Susan Milius

- More than 2 years ago

Bacteria may be a meat-eating plant’s best friends thanks to their power to reduce the surface tension of water.