Nepenthaceae - Nepenthes are carnivorous plants more commonly referred to as pitcher plants. There are over 150 species in this genus and they can be found growing throughout the tropical regions of the Old World. Through bright colors, pleasant aroma, and sweet nectar, these plants lure insects and some small animals into their deadly pitcher of no escape. The trapped animal is broken down into the basic nutritional compounds by the digestive juices and then absorbed by the plant.
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The Seychelles were first visited by Arab traders crossing the Indian Ocean. Vasca da Gama sighted the islands in 1503 and named them the “Amirantes,” in reference to his rank; he was an admiral. During the Seven Years War, fought between France and England, France took control of the islands and renamed them as Séchelles. The war ended with France’s defeat and the loss of the islands to England, who Anglicized the name to “Seychelles.” The Seychelles became independent in 1976.
