Corkscrew Plants (Genlisea spp.) are carnivorous plants that employ a unique trapdoor hunting technique to capture microscopic prey such as protozoa.
Lacking true roots, Genlisea instead developed specialized subterranean leaves (that look like roots) that function as traps. These leaves form a spiral, corkscrew-like structure with inward-pointing hairs and a narrow entrance that acts like a one-way valve.
Once microorganisms enter the trap in search of nutrients or moisture, the inward-facing hairs and the helical pathway prevent their escape, gradually guiding them toward a digestive chamber where they are broken down and absorbed.
This passive yet effective trap mechanism allows Genlisea to thrive in nutrient-poor environments by supplementing its diet with nitrogen and phosphorus from captured prey.
They also have leaves above-ground which are green and photosynthesize.
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