Butterwort

Todd Sain Sr.

8 years ago

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Butterwort Facts

First of all, the short term of Butterwort serves as the collective common name for an entire genus of remarkable plants. Further, for the moment, a somewhat surprising total of 80 different species fit within this genus. Also, that impressive grouping bears the scientific name of Pinguicula. However, several other plants, in varying locations around the world, presently remain under consideration for inclusion.
In addition, the unusual name of the truly remarkable genus derives from a term in Latin, created by Conrad Gesner, in 1561. Roughly translated, this referred to certain physical characteristics shared by each of the various members of the genus. However, without doubt, the most distinctive common trait among all members of this genus remains the amazing fact that all of them evolved as carnivorous in nature.
Since the term Butterwort applies to so many individual species, their current conservation statuses quite understandably vary. Because of this, a few of them appear on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, with varying statuses. Meanwhile, others of the genus do not appear on the list. Nonetheless, all of them face at least two potential threats to their existence. Further, these consist of habitat loss and, of course, climate change.

Related Species

Cobra Lily Sundew Waterwheel Plant

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Butterwort Physical Description

Because the name of Butterwort includes so many species of plants, physical variations in such things as size and shape naturally exist. In point of fact, the smallest form actually evolved as a vertical variety. This one, though, only attains a height of about 2 in (5 cm). Meanwhile, the largest recognized type has a more rounded shape, but attains a truly impressive average diameter of roughly 12 in (30.5 cm).

However, one characteristic shared by every Butterwort remains the fact that the flowers sit well away from the rest of the plant. This further typically sits atop a thin stalk. This represents a practical and remarkable adaptation to prevent the entrapment of potential pollinators. Furthermore, though colors also vary, though these usually develop as bright shades, the leaves share a common trait. That’s because these form the trap.

Kingdom: Plantae
Phylum: Angiosperms
Class: Eudicots
Order: Lamiales
Family: Lentibulariaceae
Genus: Pinguicula

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Photographer: Christian Hummert
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Butterwort Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology

Most notably, the numerous types of Butterwort inhabit a relatively broad section of the globe. More precisely, though, these marvelous carnivorous plants appear naturally within portions of the Northern Hemisphere. Nevertheless, the majority of known forms evolved as native to several areas in Central America and South America. However, smaller numbers of varieties also exist in Europe, North America, and Asia.

Furthermore, habitats for the differing versions of this Angiosperm also quite naturally vary in some ways. But, the greatest percentage of them most commonly appear in regions consisting of nutrient-poor, high alkaline soils. In addition, some of the species also managed to adapt to even harsher environments. These include soils composed of nearly pure gypsum, acidic peat bogs, and even vertical cliff faces.

Also, all known forms, as well as those under consideration, developed as perennials. Although carnivorous, each also has the ability to digest any pollen that falls on the leaves. But, the Butterwort only remains capable of entrapping small insects, usually, those possessing wide wing surfaces. Finally, the plant also reproduces both by sexual means, via seeds, as well as through vegetative reproduction through the production of shoots.