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butterwort
Scientific Name: Pinguicula
Family: Lentibulariaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth:
Duration:
Other Names:
Butterwort (Pinguicula)
Butterworts, scientifically known as Pinguicula, are a fascinating genus of carnivorous plants renowned for their unique method of capturing prey. These plants employ sticky, glandular leaves to lure, trap, and digest insects, supplementing their nutrient intake.
Common names for species within this genus include butterwort, bog violet, and marsh violet.
Considerations for Pets
The leaves of butterworts are covered in a sticky fluid that traps insects, which may be a point of interest for pets.
Considerations for Children
Butterworts use sticky leaves to trap insects.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Pinguicula
- Family: Lentibulariaceae (Butterwort Family)
- Common Species: Pinguicula vulgaris (Common Butterwort), Pinguicula grandiflora (Large-flowered Butterwort), Pinguicula primuliflora (Southern Butterwort)
- Other Commonly Used Names: Southern Butterwort, Primrose-flowered Butterwort.
- Synonyms: Leith uisce (for Pinguicula grandiflora)
- Rank: Genus
Distribution and Habitat
Butterworts are found across a wide range of biomes, from the arctic to the tropics. They are common in the Northern Hemisphere and are found in North America, Europe, and parts of Asia. Specific locations mentioned include the Western Isles (Hebrides), Florida, and eastern Queretaro State. One species is New York's only insectivorous plant not found in marshes, bogs, or swamps.
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- Butterworts are typically perennial herbs.
- The height of Pinguicula vulgaris (Common Butterwort) ranges from 10-20 cm (4-8 inches).
- They possess thin roots.
- Leaves are often yellowish-green and excrete a sticky fluid.
- Flowers are often bright purple or pinkish violet, two-lipped, and held solitarily on slender stems. Some species have purple streaks on their flowers.
- Flowers of Pinguicula vulgaris are single, purple, tubular, up to ½ inch long with 5 lobes and a long spur at the back.
- Mexican butterworts can resemble Echeveria succulents, and some become succulents in the winter.
Ecological Role
Butterworts are carnivorous plants, meaning they supplement their nutrient intake by trapping and digesting insects. They play a role in controlling insect populations in their habitats.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- Butterworts attract and trap insects using a sticky mucilage on their leaves.
- They are sometimes grown by orchid collectors to trap insect pests such as whiteflies.
- Pollinators can sometimes become trapped by the sticky leaves.
Quirky Facts
- In the Scottish Isles, myths have grown up around the Common Butterwort.
- Butterwort is New York's only insectivorous plant which is not found in a marsh, bog, or swamp.
Further Information
For more information, consider exploring resources like Encyclopedia.com and Wildflowers Count survey.