Green Fiends: The Insect Eaters with Dr. Larry Mellichamp and co-sponsored by UNC Charlotte Botanical Gardens

A Learning Experience for All Ages

Masks Required For All Events

Help us celebrate our return to in-person meetings in August by joining us for a day devoted to learning about carnivorous plants at UNCC Botanical Gardens. You’ll find fun for everyone so bring the kids and grandkids. Details below. Register using the link at the bottom.

The main event is a presentation by Dr. Larry Mellichamp at 2:00 pm. This event is free and open to the public both live or via Zoom and Facebook Live.

Carnivorous Plants of North Carolina
2:00 pm – Live and Zoom

“The flowers are pretty but the leaves are deadly.”
Have you ever wondered why there are so many weird plants in the world – like flying dragons, eyeball flowers, spider’s-tresses, and bleeding-hearts? The answer is because the flowers are designed for certain pollinators and people think they look like all kinds of things.

Carnivorous plants on the other hand are a bizarre group of insect-eating plants where the LEAVES are designed to lure, capture and digest insects and other small animals. There are more different kinds of carnivorous plants in North Carolina than anywhere else in the world. They include the famous Venus Flytrap, pitcher plants, sundews, butterworts and bladderworts. They all grow in southeastern North Carolina, south of Wilmington in an area known generally as the Green Swamp. Dr. Mellichamp will talk about some of the plants – where they grow and how they work to catch insects.

Dr. Larry Mellichamp, PhD, is professor emeritus of botany and horticulture at UNC Charlotte. Carnivorous plants are among his favorite plants. His talks about native plants and guided hikes are treasured by native plant enthusiasts throughout the state.

Schedule of Events and Activities

Exploration Station
Open to the public and free, 12:00-1:30pm, at the McMillan Greenhouse

Take Home Fly-Trap Kits
Available for purchase $7

Carnivorous Courtyard Tours
Members Only, $5 per person, limited to 15 per tour at the McMillan Greenhouse
12:00-12:45pm Adults
12:45-1:30pm Families and Kids

Bog Container Workshops
Members Only, $50 for workshop and supplies to make a bog dish garden. Limited to 12 per session. Sessions at 12:00 and 12:45 pm. Location: McMillan Greenhouse Headhouse

Presentation: Carnivorous Plants of North Carolina
with Dr. Larry Mellichamp
Open to the public and free, 2:00-3:00pm
Location: Friday Building Room 106

Parking
UNCC Lot 5 at 9303 Martin Village Rd, Charlotte, NC 28262

Activity Locations
McMillan Greenhouse, 9026 Craver Road
Friday Building, 9209 Mary Alexander Road

Can’t make it to UNCC for the program? Join the meeting on Zoom or Facebook Live.

Click below to register for all activities at the Green Fiends Event including the in-person presentation and the zoom link for the presentation.

Register for Green Fiends Events and Activities