This tree will eat anything. Photo by Jody Boyman Red Ranger Came Calling from Arborsmith.com

After allowing six months to lapse four times, without a visit to the dentist, I finally scheduled an appointment and went in for a cleaning. Sitting in the dentist chair with my mouth stretched wide, it wasn't long before my jaw started to hurt. I recalled the Little Shop of Horror torture scenes that take place at the dentist's office and reminded myself to be glad there were no drilling or needles involved.

Later, at home, my mouth still red from long-term stretching, I read a story about a tree in India that eats people and cattle. I may have endured a little torture by the dentist, but at least I wasn't consumed by a man-eating tree.

MANGALORE: Carnivorous trees grabbing humans and cattle and gobbling them up is not just village folklore. Residents of Padrame near Kokkoda in Uppinangady forest range sighted one such carnivorous tree trying to dine on a cow last Thursday. According to reports, the cow owned by Anand Gowda had been left to graze in the forests. [from newindpress.com]

If you're interested in carnivorous plants and live in the Bay Area, check out this exhibit at The Conservatory of Flowers in San Francisco. [from Gardening]

[both tips from Buzzfeed.com]