The Lure

The Lure

How does something like this evolve? Truly, in an infinite universe, there are infinite possibilities. But this...?

Nature, in her wisdom and puckishness produces all manner of obscure predator. Deep-water fish that attract prey with bio-luminescence, spiders that build traps, and reptiles that resemble food have all been innovations of this impish Nature. And the botanical predator? Pitcher plants, bladderworts, sun-dews, and the villainous Venus fly-trap all lure unsuspecting travelers into their carnivorous snares. However, this just seems too much to accept.

But I get ahead of myself.

It was a month ago that Dr. Root and I set foot on that eccentric little island. A sister to the nearby Galapagos, the island we chose to research was no less mysterious. As botanists, exotic vegetation drew us like bees to nectar. We encamped, unpacked equipment, and set about surveying our surroundings. Like children in a toy shop, we were giddy to begin.

Our lack of self-possession was ultimately Dr. Root's demise. But who among you would have been held in check? Dr. Root set off in one direction, I the other. He never returned.

I found the "treasure chest" the next day on a sandy mound, next to it Dr. Root's field gear. Treasure chest. This bizarre plant had developed a leaf and frond structure that mimicked the appearance of a pirate's treasure chest. How and why I cannot explain. Dr. Root, drawn by this unexpected "find" was lured into the trap. The leaves snapped shut, enclosing the unsuspecting doctor. The outer casing of the leaves, a tough, fibrous material similar to a coconut husk, securely held the prisoner as vesicles within excreted an acid solution that dissolved Dr. Root. It fed on the slurry.

I yet struggle with nature's secrets - the ubiquitous lure - but I can no longer abide field work. The university lab has become my island, my trap.