Story perspectives

Chinese Study Confirms Saxifraga Candelabrum as Carnivorous Plant

8/5/2026

Summary

Story summary

Researchers in China confirmed that Saxifraga candelabrum is a true carnivorous plant.
Researchers found plants’ glandular hairs that trapped over 70 gnats each, secretions that contained phosphatase to digest them, and nitrogen-15 labeling that proved plant absorbed nutrients from the prey.
Genetic analysis showed S. candelabrum shares carnivory genes with sundew Drosera spatulata, Roridula gorgonias, grows at 8,200-10,800 feet on Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and Hengduan Mountains, and is not endangered.

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Story summary

Researchers in China confirmed that Saxifraga candelabrum is a true carnivorous plant.
Researchers found plants’ glandular hairs that trapped over 70 gnats each, secretions that contained phosphatase to digest them, and nitrogen-15 labeling that proved plant absorbed nutrients from the prey.
Genetic analysis showed S. candelabrum shares carnivory genes with sundew Drosera spatulata, Roridula gorgonias, grows at 8,200-10,800 feet on Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and Hengduan Mountains, and is not endangered.