I was pulling out some weeds day before yesterday. I thought this was a weed too (probably is). But upon closer inspection it seems kind of strange... I honestly have never seen such a thing before. The small round disks on this plant make me think that it resembles a carnivorous plant. But I have been now watching it for a while - And up till now, the pair of round disks with spikes on the outer side have not opened up (to lure insects). Now what I am wondering about it, is it really a carnivorous plant? If so than what type? And how should I care for it? :?: By the way, in the 3rd picture - I have placed a pen along it's side so everyone can get a size reference. Unknown carnivorous plant ( photo / image / picture from S-H's Garden ) Unknown carnivorous plant ( photo / image / picture from S-H's Garden ) Unknown carnivorous plant ( photo / image / picture from S-H's Garden ) Unknown carnivorous plant ( photo / image / picture from S-H's Garden )
Usually most carnivorous plants have a way of trapping or luring an insect. This one looks to be a cousin to the Venus Flytrap 'Dionaea muscipula' Do the pods open? Jerry
No, up till now I have not seen a single pod open. So it could be that either this plant is too young. Or, it could be too effective when it comes to catching insects. There are some small ants around, so perhaps they are keeping the plant well fed! Anyway, how should I care for this plant now? Should it be kept in the sun, or the shade? Does it require a lot of water, or the juices of the insects enough for the plant? It is so far doing fine on it's own. But now that I have such a thing, I'd sure like to propagate it! I read somewhere that exotic plants such as the Venus Fly Trap are somewhat costly! :idea:
A mature Venus Flytrap is about 5 inches across, the traps are up to an inch. It has a shallow root structure, lives in poor soil, hence the need for a supplemental food source, and humid but not wet conditions. Live food, something not too large but who's movement keeps the trigger hairs in the plant pod active. This is just a general outline, there are lots of specifics, especially what not to do. Jerry
I've seen this weed here in Southern Calf. also. Always thought it belonged in the clover family. Those burrs always get into the dog fur and my socks when I was young.
Sounds like you are talking about,, well we call them "stick-tights". Aggravating weed that sticks to your pants or socks when you brush against it !! And in the dogs fur !! Slightly larger than a tomato seed !! Or could be cockle burr,, 1/2 to 3/4 in. long with spikes that tangle in everything !!
