The Broadside America's favorite bloodthirsty plant
Jun 12, 2025
21:05
The Venus flytrap is one of the most recognizable plants on the planet. Its strange and unique adaptations have made it a cultural icon and a favorite of plant collectors. But increasingly, there are worries about the health of its wild population. That's because the exotic plant only grows in a single place on the planet: a sliver of dirt in a small corner of the Carolinas.
Featuring:
- Michael Kunz, Director of Conservation Programs at the North Carolina Botanical Garden
- Sara Heise Graybeal, freelance journalist and folklorist
- Sgt. Matt Criscoe, NC Wildlife Commission's Law Enforcement Division
Links:
- Read Sara's article about the cultural impact of the Venus flytrap at The Assembly.
- Check out North Carolina's Venus flytrap license plate.
- You can find a transcript of the episode here.
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