Looking back in the history of carnivorous plants research for the past century and a half, Sadashi Komiya, in his latest book “The Insectivorous Plants” (1994), divides the period into 3 eras based on the publication of significant work in the compilation of accumulated knowledge and research on the subject.

(1) The Era of Charles Darwin. The latter half of the 19^th century saw the publication of a historical book “Insectivorous Plants” by Charles Darwin (1875). This contains the detailed observation of various carnivorous plants representing 10 genera then considered to be carnivorous. Of note is the meticulous description of sundews, including the observation of their tentacles, for which Darwin dedicated almost two thirds of the book. The term “carnivorous plants” was also coined during this period to be a more general terminology by those who observed these plants consuming not only insects but other animal prey as well. 

(2) The Era of F. E. Lloyd. The first half of the 20^th century is culminated by the publication of F. E. Llyod's “The Carnivorous Plants” (1942). More species were added to the family of carnivorous plants, now counting 15 genera (and carnivorous fungi). Lloyd rejected the idea that Rolidula was a carnivorous plant. The modern concept of carnivorous plants was now being formed. 

(3) The Era of Heslop-Harrison and B. E. Juniper, et al. The latter half of the 20^th century is characterized by the advent of modern technologies, including electron microscopes and radioactive isotopes. Komiya sees a symbolic dawning of this era in the SEM photograph by Heslop-Harrison depicting a Pinguicula leaf surface (Science, 1970). Newly acquired knowledge through the use of tools offered by modern science is now compiled in a monumental work by B. E. Juniper, R. J. Robins, and D. M. Joel in the book “The Carnivorous Plants” (1989). 

My interest in these meat-eaters dates back to my early childhood when I was fortunate to find and join a group of people interested in carnivorous plants, called Insectivorous Plant Society (IPS), conceived by Sadashi Komiya and others in 1949. Their main goal is to disseminate correct knowledge of carnivorous plants and to foster communication among its members sharing the same interest. IPS also has been contributing immensely to the preservation efforts of these rare species in nature. IPS produces quarterly magazines and holds yearly exhibitions of carnivorous plants in Tokyo. Through their activities, my interest in carnivorous plants was enhanced, my understanding expanded, my appreciation deepened. Their address is:

Insectivorous Plant Society
Department of Biology
Nippon Dental University
Fujimi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 
102-8159
Japan
JIPS
IPS, Japan

In 1972, a publication called Carnivorous Plant Newsletter (CPN) was formed in the United States by D. E. Schnell and J. A. Mazrimas, serving as a place for sharing knowledge and news of carnivorous plants among botanists/hobbyists. I benefited from CPNers directly and personally as well as indirectly through their newsletters in the course of preparing the photographs presented in this volume. CPN has since evolved into a truly international organization called International Carnivorous Plant Society (ICPS). In recent years ICPS has become actively engaged in conservation efforts. Their address is: