Carnivorous plants -The Venus Flytrap
One of my interests is carnivorous plants. I am frequently asked, “Are there carnivorous plants in Singapore?” The answer is Yes -Pitcher plants (Nepenthes)** and Bladderworts (Utricularia).
The carnivorous plant that most people have heard of – the Venus Flytrap (VFT) -is, however, not a native Singapore plant. It is, in fact, a native of South-eastern USA.
One can buy the plant from local flower nurseries between $5-$10 for a potted plant. Although the VFT is so famous, for a long time only Laos had issued a stamp of it. A few weeks ago the USA issued a stamp of its VFT.
Incidentally, the common name Venus Flytrap (VFT) is usually regarded as a translation from its scientific name, Dionaeamuscipula. It seems this translation may not be correct. Some language experts have hypothesised that Dionaea should be linked to Diana, the goddess of hunting, rather than to Venus, the goddess of love.
More interesting, though, is that muscipulashould be translated as mouse-trap rather than fly-trap as ‘mus-’ is the Latin word for mouse. So the plant that is known world-wide as Venus Flytrap should be called Diana Mousetrap! In which case, its initials will
change from VFT to DMT.
Re-trievia recalled: Excerpts from Year 2001
Tan Wee Kiat
Hello Tan Wee Kiat,
I have create a website on carnivorous plants on stamps… because the richard ellis shut down.
So you can see it following this link: http://yannick.bontemps.free.fr/index-travail2.html
If you know new issues… I will be happy to add them
Thanks a lot.
Best regards,
Yannick
nep51
4 December, 2007 at 2:39 am
Please tell me where can i buy Venus flytrap in Singapore or Malaysia. Thanks.
lee.denny
18 October, 2008 at 4:37 pm
Hi! Denny,
You can buy the Venus Flytrap, and other carnivorous plants, from Far East Flora in Thomson Road.
Far East Flora is one of the flower nurseries in that part of Thomson Road — so, if they do not have any VFT in stock, just go next door.
If you happen to live far from Thomson Road, try asking at any commercial flower nursery nearer your home.
Regards,
tan wee kiat
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tan wee kiat
19 October, 2008 at 2:14 pm
@ Tan Wee Kiat
Do you have the telephone for the Far East Flora shop?
Claire Phoenix
12 April, 2009 at 12:16 pm
Far East Flora is at 555 Thomson Road.
There are several flower nurseries in this part
of Thomson Road (opposite an Esso Petrol station).
tan wee kiat
13 April, 2009 at 12:20 pm