Carnivorous Plants Exhibition: Discover the 'Phantom Flower' - Did You Know the Djinn Plant is Carnivorous?

Event Overview

At the Kochi Prefectural Makino Botanical Garden, which honors the achievements of the botanist Dr. Tomitaro Makino, we are hosting a special summer exhibition: "Carnivorous Plant Exhibition." This exhibition focuses on the mysterious ecology of carnivorous plants that set "traps" to capture insects and supplement their nutrients to survive in harsh, nutrient-poor environments.

The display features a variety of plants with diverse trapping mechanisms, including the Venus Flytrap, pitcher-type Nepenthes, and Sarracenia. You can learn about the surprising mechanisms of how these plants capture and digest prey through live specimen displays and easy-to-understand explanatory panels.

Highlights & How to Enjoy

The greatest charm of this event is the opportunity to observe the "movements" and "structures" of carnivorous plants—things usually only seen in textbooks or encyclopedias—up close. The snapping motion of the Venus Flytrap and the pitcher-shaped leaves of the Nepenthes are particularly striking.

The exhibition categorizes trapping methods into four types, allowing visitors to deeply understand how each plant has evolved. It is a wonderful learning opportunity for children to experience the wonders of nature and an intellectual experience for adults to appreciate the brilliance of plant evolution. Explore the greenhouse as if you are embarking on an expedition to discover the "survival strategies" of plants.

Schedule

The event will be held during the following periods:

• *Event Period**: July 18, 2026 (Sat) – August 30, 2026 (Sun)
• *Special Program (Venus Flytrap Cultivation Class)**:
• August 2, 2026 (Sun) and August 23, 2026 (Sun)
• Times: 10:00–11:00, 13:30–14:30, 15:30–16:30
• *Special Program (Mysterious Carnivorous Plant Experience)**:
• July 26, 2026 (Sun) and August 22, 2026 (Sat)
• Time: 13:30–15:30

Venue & Access

The exhibition and programs are held in designated areas within the Kochi Prefectural Makino Botanical Garden.

• *Exhibition Venue**: South Garden Greenhouse
• *Cultivation Class Venue**: Main Building, Video Hall
• *Experience Program Venue**: Research Center, Kids Lab

The botanical garden is located on Mt. Godaisan in Kochi City, surrounded by a lush natural environment perfect for enjoying plant viewing.

Participation Tips

This is a highly educational event for learning about plant survival strategies. Since it is held during the summer holidays, it is an excellent way for children to find topics for their school research projects. With detailed explanatory panels, visitors can easily learn plant names and characteristics.

Note that certain programs (Cultivation Class or Experience Program) may require prior registration or a same-day numbered ticket. For the "Mysterious Carnivorous Plant Experience," please be mindful of the time as tickets are distributed on the day. As the greenhouse can be humid and hot during summer, we recommend staying hydrated and wearing comfortable clothing.

Essentials, Clothing & Etiquette

As this event takes place in a natural botanical garden setting, please note the following:

• *Payment**: We recommend carrying cash for any fees related to facility use or programs (please check the official website for specific payment methods).
• *Language Support**: Professional explanations in English are not guaranteed. We recommend using translation apps if needed.
• *Reservations**: Some programs, such as the Cultivation Class, may require prior application via the website, FAX, or at the counter. For same-day programs, you may need to collect a numbered ticket at the specified time.
• *Clothing**: Wear comfortable clothing suitable for walking through a greenhouse. Breathable clothing is highly recommended due to the summer heat.
• *Etiquette**: The displayed plants are very delicate. Please be careful not to touch or damage the specimens while observing.