Brocchinia reducta is a Guayana Highland endemic recently discovered to be carnivorous. Just as xerophytes are pre-adapted to epiphytism, it is not surprising that a tank-plant proves carnivorous. As can be seen with some other examples following, the genus Brocchina has undergone a phenomenal adaptive radiation as it relates to nutrient uptake.

Brocchinia acuminata is another species from the Guayana Highlands, but this one has different method of nutrient uptake. Notice the swollen leaf bases. In its natural habitat, these swollen areas would house colonies of ants. The ant detritus is then taken up by the plant via adventitious roots. This species is thus apparently an ant-fed myrmecophyte similar to a number of other tropical plants.

Brocchinia micrantha is yet another species of Brocchinia, but this one is a gigantic, monocarpic species that can impound several liters of rainwater in its "tank". Dead leaves and other vegetable debris are the principal tank contents in this species, together with live larvae of Runchomyia and Wyeomyia (Culicidae).