Darwin’s 150-Year-Old Prediction Confirmed: Alpine Plant *Saxifraga candelabrum* Proven Carnivorous

Scientists have confirmed that the alpine wildflower *Saxifraga candelabrum* is a true carnivorous plant, the first such finding in the order Saxifragales. The research, published in *Nature Communications* on August 4, 2026, combined field observations, enzyme assays, stable-isotope tracing, and genomic analysis to demonstrate attraction, trapping, digestion, and nutrient absorption from insect prey.

Scientific American

In 1875 Charles Darwin hypothesized that two European saxifrages—*S. rotundifolia* and *S. umbrosa*—might be carnivorous because of their sticky hairs, but he could not prove digestion or nutrient uptake. Modern botanists have now extended his idea to a closely related Chinese species, providing experimental validation of Darwin’s speculation.

CNN

• Hang Sun – research professor, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences; co-lead.

Live Science

• Douglas Soltis – distinguished professor of biology, University of Florida; co-author.

CNN

Fieldwork on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and Hengduan Mountains (2,500–3,300 m) documented sticky reddish glandular hairs that ensnared insects, measured phosphatase activity, and exposed plants to nitrogen-15-labeled fruit flies. Isotope tracking showed nitrogen moving from prey into plant tissues, especially the flowers. Whole-genome sequencing identified dozens of genes shared with known carnivorous taxa that regulate prey attraction, digestion, and nutrient absorption.

Reuters

• Mature plants carried up to 70 gnats on their hairs; insects were found on 43 of 45 examined specimens.

Seattle Times

• Phosphatase, a digestive enzyme common to carnivorous plants, was detected in the glandular secretions.

CNN

• Nitrogen-15 from labeled flies appeared in plant tissue, confirming nutrient uptake.

Reuters

• Comparative genomics revealed dozens of carnivory-related genes shared with sundews, pitcher plants, and flycatcher bushes.

Seattle Times

The finding expands the known diversity of carnivorous lineages to 14 plant families and suggests carnivory may be more widespread among flowering plants than previously recognized. Genetic insights could inform future agricultural strategies, such as transferring pest-deterrent traits from carnivorous species into crops. The study also shows how plants can repurpose defensive hairs into efficient insect traps in nutrient-poor alpine habitats.

CNN

Susan Myers described the experimental design as “brilliant” for linking morphology, enzyme activity, and isotope tracing. Xin-Jian Zhang added that current population surveys indicate the species is not endangered under existing environmental conditions.

CNN

During expeditions on Yunnan’s mountain crevices, researchers observed stems and branches coated with a viscous secretion that immobilized primarily non-biting midges. Scent analyses showed floral volatiles attracted these tiny insects, while larger pollinating flies were rarely trapped, suggesting an evolutionary balance between nutrient acquisition and reproduction.

Seattle Times

All cited sources concur on the carnivorous status of *S. candelabrum* and on the methods used. Open questions remain regarding the precise evolutionary steps that led to carnivory within Saxifragaceae and whether additional saxifrages possess similar hidden traits.

Live Science

• “We ran multiple tests on this plant and finally confirmed it is a real insect-eating plant. This proves Darwin's guess was correct, and shows how sharp his scientific judgment was,” — Hang Sun, senior study author

Reuters

• “Many members of the family to which Saxifraga belongs have sticky glandular hairs and you often see insects stuck on them,” — Douglas Soltis, University of Florida

CNN

• “Together, these genomic data provide independent evidence that S. candelabrum is a true carnivorous plant,” — Sun. Soltis, University of Florida

New Scientist