Rat-Eating Plant Found in Philippines

(MYFOX NATIONAL) - Scientists in the UK have discovered a giant plant in the Philippines that lures rodents and insects into its trap and eats them, according to the Telegraph .

The giant pitcher plant ( see picture ), which has been named after wildlife broadcaster Sir David Attenborough , is believed to be the largest meat-eating plant in the world. It dissolves rats with acid-like enzymes

After hearing of missionaries who had seen "whole rats" being eaten by the shrub, botanists Stewart McPherson and Alistair Robinson led a team of scientists to the Philippines and uncovered the rare species.

The team found the plant in 2007 following a two-month expedition and published details of their discovery in the Botanical Journal of Linnean Society earlier this year following a three-year study of all 120 species of pitcher plant.

"The plant produces spectacular traps which catch not only insects, but also rodents. It is remarkable that it remained undiscovered until the 21st century," McPherson said.

Attenborough, 83, said he was flattered that the scientists wanted to name the new species after him. "I was contacted by the team shortly after the discovery and they asked if they could name it after me. I was delighted. This is a remarkable species."

There are many species of meat-eating plants. The fastest-known killers of the plant kingdom are able to suck in unsuspecting mosquito larvae in 1/50 of a second using a trap door. The Venus Fly Trap is probably the most famous carniverous plant.

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