Brocchinia reducta is a carnivorous bromeliad native to the Guyana Highlands of South America. It’s one of the only three species of bromeliads that are considered carnivores. B. reducta produces an enzyme aiding in the digestion of prey. It lures prey with its sweet smell. Once prey has found its way onto the plant, the waxy coating on the leaves crumbles sending the bugs tumbling into the pool of water or “tank” at the center of the plant. Here, digestion begins via enzyme and bacterial breakdown while small hairs called trichomes at the bottom of the tank absorb the available nutrients.
