A bill

TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 1-1-661 SO AS TO NAME THE VENUS FLYTRAP THE OFFICIAL CARNIVOROUS PLANT OF THE STATE.

Whereas, the Venus flytrap is a small flowering perennial plant that grows in boggy areas of the Southeastern United States; and

Whereas, the Venus flytrap is one of the most internationally recognized carnivorous plants, characterized by leaves with hinged lobes that spring shut when stimulated by insects and is dependent on a fire-maintained landscape; and

Whereas, the Venus flytrap is federally designated as an At-Risk Species and the State of South Carolina is just one of two places in the world where the Venus flytrap is native; and

Whereas, the Venus flytrap is considered globally imperiled and Horry County is known to have the only remaining population of the Venus flytrap in the State of South Carolina. Now, therefore,

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina:

SECTION 1.  Chapter 1, Title 1 of the S.C. Code is amended by adding:

    Section 1-1-661. The Venus flytrap (Dionaea Muscipula) is the official carnivorous plant of the State.

SECTION 2.  This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor.

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