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violet butterwort
Scientific Name: Pinguicula ionantha
Family: Lentibulariaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Forb/herb
Duration: Perennial
Other Names: FL (Godfrey's (=Panhandle) butterwort)
Pinguicula ionantha: Godfrey's Butterwort and Violet Butterwort
Pinguicula ionantha, commonly known as Godfrey's butterwort or violet butterwort, is a rare and captivating flowering plant belonging to the bladderwort family (Lentibulariaceae).
Considerations for Pets and Children
- Butterworts, including Pinguicula ionantha, are carnivorous plants that trap insects using a sticky secretion.
Considerations from Historical or Traditional Use
- Historically, butterworts have been used as charms during childbirth.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Pinguicula ionantha
- Family: Lentibulariaceae (Bladderwort family)
- Common Names: Godfrey's butterwort, Violet butterwort, Panhandle butterwort, Bog Violet, Marsh Violet, Blueflower Butterwort, Common Butterwort
- Synonyms/Related Species: Mentions Pinguicula caerulea (Violet Butterwort) and Pinguicula vulgaris (Common Butterwort)
Distribution and Habitat
- Pinguicula ionantha is a rare species, specifically listed as endangered in Florida, and has only been recorded in 5 counties there.
- It is found in boggy areas, particularly in the southernmost regions.
- The genus Pinguicula is circumpolar, ranging around the world in temperate and arctic regions.
Morphological Characteristics
- Flowers are typically violet or white, with corollas ranging from pale violet to white, featuring a deep violet throat and dark veins.
- Flowers are known for their two-lipped shape and are streaked with deep purple.
- Leaves are yellow-green, strap-like, and can grow up to 2 inches long.
- Forms a rosette of yellow-green leaves, about 5cm across.
Ecological Role and Interactions
- Pinguicula ionantha is an insectivorous plant, trapping insects with a sticky secretion on its leaves.
Quirky Facts
- The name "butterwort" allegedly comes from the plant's historical use in curdling or thickening milk.
- Butterworts are sometimes grown in African violet pots to maintain consistent soil moisture.
Further Information
- Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center (focused on protecting and preserving North America’s native plants)
- Discover Life (page about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification and distribution of Pinguicula ionantha)
- Getty Images (stock photos and editorial news)
- Alamy (stock photos)