In Photos: Plants

Plants are dazzlingly intricate and beautiful in equal measure. They feed the world's animals by capturing the Sun's energy while manipulating us to spread their seed.

of 5

Lady's Slipper Orchid

Orchids have evolved beautiful "landing pads" for insects to land, feed, and then carry pollen onto the next flower.
Venus Fly Trap

Venus fly traps are an example of another carnivorous plant, trapping and digesting their prey when they trigger the hairs.
Cactus

These cactuses are the archetypal plant of the US south-west. They are perfectly adapted to an arid environment, reducing their surface area and sending their roots deep into the soil.
Pitcher Plant

Pitcher plant's manipulate animals using their liquid-filled jugs. These carnivorous plants have a slippy rim, trapping and digesting their unfortunate prey in the enzyme-rich liquid.
Sequoia

The giant redwood sequoia's are the largest plant on Earth. Some are so big they need holes cut in them for cars to drive through.