# Newly Discovered Carnivorous Plant is Both Deceptive and Deadly This plant from China's mountainous forests traps insects in its grasp. - **Source:** [Scientific American Content: Global](https://brifing.si/source/4f066134-e06d-4415-87ef-305e3dc2aba6) - **Published:** 2026-08-04 - **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/1278340a-390a-4c89-ba30-90b433f710c1 ## Discovery of the Carnivorous Plant Saxifraga candelabrum, found in the mountainous forests of China, has been identified as a carnivorous plant by scientists. It traps and digests insects to absorb their nutrients. The discovery confirms a hypothesis proposed by Charles Darwin in 1875. Darwin predicted that some members of the Saxifraga genus could be carnivorous. ## Characteristics of the Plant Saxifraga candelabrum stands out with its bright yellow flowers, but beneath this appearance lies a mechanism that traps insects. Microscopic hairs on the plant's surface initiate the digestion process by capturing insects. These hairs also formed the basis of Darwin's predictions. ## Scientific Research Researchers observed the plant trapping insects in its natural habitat. Genetic analysis revealed similarities between Saxifraga candelabrum and other carnivorous plants. Additionally, the plant was found to produce a digestive enzyme that absorbs nitrogen from insects. ## Darwin's Hypothesis In 1875, Charles Darwin hypothesized that some members of the Saxifraga genus could be carnivorous. This discovery provides significant evidence supporting Darwin's hypothesis. Darwin predicted that the hairs on the plant's surface could trap insects. ## Evolution of Carnivorous Plants The evolution of carnivorous plants remains a mystery. The discovery of Saxifraga candelabrum offers a new example to understand this process. The plant's small, sticky traps provide a fresh perspective on how carnivorous plants function. ## Importance for Agriculture Understanding the genetic makeup of carnivorous plants could have significant implications for agriculture. Genes from these plants could be transferred to crops, serving as a natural pesticide. This could reduce the use of chemical pesticides in farming. ## Recent Discoveries The last carnivorous plant discovery was made almost five years ago. The discovery of Saxifraga candelabrum has revitalized research in this field. Scientists believe there may be many undiscovered carnivorous plants in nature. ## Future Research Understanding the evolutionary processes of carnivorous plants will be the focus of future research. The question of how these plants evolved into predators will continue to intrigue the scientific world. The discovery of Saxifraga candelabrum opens new doors in this area. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/newly-discovered-carnivorous-plant-is-as-deceptive-as-it-is-deadly/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._