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After millions of years of evolution and development, an enormous number of different plant variations have been created. Of all the plants that have ever lived most are long since extinct, but still around a third of a million plant species are estimated to be surviving today.

Pitcher Plants (Nepenthes)
Nepenthes is a genus of carniverous plant that encompasses over 120 species, native to Indonesia, the Phillipines, and South-East Asia. This species of plant has three primary components: the lid, the rim, and the pitcher. The purpose of the lid is to keep rain water from collecting in the pitcher, and the colorful rim functions as a lure to insects. The plant produces a syrupy liquid in the bottom of the pitcher that attracts, and drowns, potential prey. The walls are coated with a waxy substance, so when an insect slips inside it can’t escape, and the plant has ample time to digest its new meal.

Psychoactive Plants 
A Psychoactive plant contains chemical substances that effect the central nervous system and can temporarily alter perception, mood, consciousness, and behavior. Traditionally shamans have used psychoactive plants to induce a psychedelic euphoria that would allow them to understand the world in new ways. More recently the plants have become more recreational, and despite all the dangers associated with plants of this type, the power they have to change reality has earned them a spot on this list.

Rafflesia arnoldii
This flower was discovered in 1822 during a jungle expedition in Sumatra, and is considered to be the largest flower in the world. It can grow to be up to one meter in diameter, and weigh as much as 25 lbs. Despite its size, it is incredibly difficult to find because it takes 9-21 months for plant to develop, and the flower lasts for a maximum of five days. Some who have been able to come in contact with the flower describe it as smelling like a decomposing carcass.

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