Story perspectives

Chinese Study Confirms Saxifraga Candelabrum Is Carnivorous Plant

8/5/2026

Summary

Story summary

Researchers in China proved that Saxifraga candelabrum is a carnivorous plant.
The plant grows on nutrient-poor rock faces of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau at 2,500-3,300 m.
Mature plants trapped more than 70 tiny gnats on sticky glandular hairs.
Phosphatase activity and nitrogen-15 labeling confirmed digestion within two weeks.
Genetic analysis showed the plant shares carnivory genes with Drosera spatulata and Roridula gorgonias, implying carnivory may be widespread in flowering plants.

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Story summary

Researchers in China proved that Saxifraga candelabrum is a carnivorous plant.
The plant grows on nutrient-poor rock faces of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau at 2,500-3,300 m.
Mature plants trapped more than 70 tiny gnats on sticky glandular hairs.
Phosphatase activity and nitrogen-15 labeling confirmed digestion within two weeks.
Genetic analysis showed the plant shares carnivory genes with Drosera spatulata and Roridula gorgonias, implying carnivory may be widespread in flowering plants.