Japan's 'god of carnivorous plants' pours passion into 20,000 specimens

KASAI, a city in Hyogo Prefecture, is home to a renowned horticultural specialist named Hirofumi Doi, who has earned the nickname "god of carnivorous plants." At the age of 64, Doi continues to work full-time at the Hyogo Prefectural Flower Center, caring for its extensive collection of nearly 20,000 carnivorous plants daily. Despite reaching retirement age, Doi's passion for these unique plants remains undiminished.

Carnivorous plants, known for their distinctive shapes and structures, evolved in wetlands with scarce soil nutrients. These plants absorb nutrients directly through their leaves, a trait that sets them apart from other flora. Among the most famous species are the Venus flytrap, the pitcher plant, and the sundew. Doi's fascination with these plants began during his sixth-grade summer vacation, after being captivated by an illustration of a pitcher plant in a school textbook.

Doi, who studied agriculture in high school and university, initially worked at the flower center in 1985. His dedication to the cultivation of carnivorous plants began in 1988 when he was assigned to manage tropical plants at the center. At his own expense, Doi traveled to Indonesia to acquire new specimens, many of which are rare varieties.

Doi acknowledges that his obsession with plant cultivation sometimes took a toll on his family life. However, he takes great pride in his work and the achievements of the flower center, which marks its 50th anniversary this year. A Carnivorous Plants Carnival is scheduled for November 7-8, showcasing the expertise of this revered horticultural specialist.