Rat Eating Plant

On 17th Aug 2009, Telegraph, UK published an article about this strange plant. The plant is among the largest of all pitchers. Some scientists believe that it is the largest meat-eating shrub, dissolving rats with acid-like enzymes.

The plant was discovered by the team of botanists, led by British experts Stewart McPherson and Alastair Robinson, on Mount Victoria in the Philippines. They came to know about this plant through  two Christian missionaries who described seeing a large carnivorous pitcher in 2000 after they climbed the mountain. Mr McPherson, of Poole Dorset, said: "The plant produces spectacular traps which catch not only insects, but also rodents. It is remarkable that it remained undiscovered until the 21st century."

Detalis about the team's adventure was published in 2007 following a two-month expedition. It is believed that around 120 species of the pitcher plant exist. The team who explored this plant named it Nepenthes attenboroughii, after the wildlife broadcaster Sir David. "My team and I named it in honour of Sir David whose work has inspired generations toward a better understanding of the beauty and diversity of the natural world," added Mr McPherson.

Upon this, Sir David, 83, said: "I was contacted by the team shortly after the discovery and they asked if they could name it after me. I was delighted and told them, 'Thank you very much'. "I'm absolutely flattered. This is a remarkable species the largest of its kind. I'm told it can catch rats then eat them with its digestive enzymes. It's certainly capable of that.