University of Pretoria - Open Day 2015: Fascinating Plants

Fascinating Plants was the Department of Plant Science theme for the 2015 University of Pretoria

Open day. A vibrant atmosphere of excitement, curiosity and expectation filled the air as learners

from various schools and ages, accompanied by their parents, flocked to the Rautenbach Hall. They

were astonished by the displays by the various departments!

Plant Sciences chose carnivorous plants as their “Fascinating Plants”; and are they not only

fascinating but also incredible……………? The learners were able to examine Dodonaea muscipula

(Venus Flytrap) and Drosera capensis (Sundew) under the microscope, opening up a whole new

world of wonders to them.

Medicinal plant science exhibited their newest cosmetic range and it was fascinating to learn that

the Venus flytrap is being investigated as a cure for cancer. Even the “plant monster” from the

movie Little Shop of Horrors had a prominent spot in the display.

Biotechnology investigated interesting genetic facts in connection with some of the carnivorous

plants, such as Nepenthes khasiana depending on the NkCHIT2b and NkCHIT1b genes to encode

chitinases to digest its prey (insects of course!!). Utricularia gibba (floating bladderwort) has an

exceptionally small genome for a plant and may provide numerous candidate genes as interesting

targets for further experimental confirmation of their functional and adaptive roles in its unique

lifestyle.

Plant Ecology and biodiversity concentrated on the local distribution and variety of these

carnivorous creatures.