The sticky hairs found in the Triantha occidentalis (common name: western false asphodel) is a detail that has been overlooked, as there are also other plant species with similar features. These sticky hairs are usually used by plants as a defense mechanism to ward off insects that are harmful to the plants. And so when scientists took a closer look at the plant, they found something rather interesting.
… the hairs [of the T. occidentalis] attract the bugs, and then keep the ones unfortunate enough to wander too close stuck to the stem. Slowly, the plant releases an enzyme which breaks down the prey into liquified food that can easily be absorbed through the stem.
This only happens during the flowering process, however.
It is also worth noting that the bug trapping mechanism found in the T. occidentalis is located directly underneath its flower, which is very different from most carnivorous plants, like the venus flytrap, which has its trapping mechanism found further away from its snare. In other words, only insects unlucky enough to go too far before the flower will be trapped. Fortunately, the plant is considerate enough for insects such as bees and butterflies.
Instead of using force strong enough to hold down every single insect that enters it, the hairs are only mildly sticky, and will effectively only ensnare smaller insects while allowing the stronger ones to escape.
The question is, why would a plant who needs bugs for pollination also eat bugs? Scientists theorize that the plant needs bugs to make up for the fact that it grows in nutrient-poor locations.
More about this intriguing plant over at Mashable.
Nature sure is weird.
(Image Credit: University of Wisconsin-Madison)