Family: Lentibulariaceae
Author: R.Br.
Bibliography: Prodr. Fl. Nov. Holland.: 430 (1810)
Year: 1810
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Utricularia
Vegetable: False
Observations: Old World
Description
Bladderwort, scientifically known as Utricularia australis, is a fascinating aquatic plant belonging to the Lentibulariaceae family. First documented by the notable botanist Robert Brown in 1810 in his work “Prodromus Florae Novae Hollandiae,” this plant has since captured the interest of botanists and researchers worldwide for its unique features and adaptive capabilities.
Native to the Old World, Utricularia australis thrives in a variety of wetland environments across Europe, Asia, and Australia. It is particularly adapted to nutrient-poor conditions often found in marshes, ponds, and slow-moving waters, showcasing remarkable evolutionary strategies for survival.
One of the most intriguing aspects of Bladderwort is its carnivorous nature. Unlike most plants that rely solely on photosynthesis for nourishment, Utricularia australis supplements its diet by capturing and digesting small aquatic organisms. This is achieved through specialized structures known as bladder traps, which are small, hollow, and vacuum-like sacs dispersed along the plant’s submerged stems. These bladders create a vacuum inside, and when unsuspecting prey comes into contact with sensitive trigger hairs, the trap door rapidly opens, sucking in water and prey. Once inside, the prey is digested by enzymes, providing essential nutrients that bolster the plant’s growth in nutrient-scarce environments.
The physical appearance of Bladderwort is also noteworthy. It has finely divided, thread-like leaves which increase its surface area for both photosynthesis and prey capture. During its blooming season, Utricularia australis produces vibrant yellow flowers that rise above the water’s surface on slender stalks. These flowers not only add a splash of color to otherwise monochromatic wetland areas but also play a crucial role in reproduction, attracting pollinators despite the plant’s otherwise submerged lifestyle.
Ecologically, Bladderworts are essential components of their habitats. By regulating the population of small aquatic organisms, they help maintain a balanced ecosystem. Moreover, the presence of Utricularia australis can often be an indicator of a healthy wetland, as these plants require specific conditions to thrive.
In conclusion, Utricularia australis, or Bladderwort, is a remarkable example of nature’s ingenuity. Its ability to thrive in nutrient-poor conditions through carnivory, coupled with its delicate yet effective structural adaptations, makes it a subject of ongoing scientific interest. This plant not only contributes to the diversity and balance of aquatic ecosystems but also continues to amaze and educate those who study its unique characteristics.
Common Names
En: Bladderwort
Da: Slank blærerod
Nl: Loos blaasjeskruid
Fr: Utriculaire citrine, Utriculaire du Midi, Utriculaire négligée, Grande Utriculaire, Utriculaire élevée
De: Südlicher Wasserschlauch, Verkannter Wasserschlauch, Zitronengelber Wasserschlauch
He: נאדיד המים
It: Erba-Vescica delle Risaie
No: Vrangblærerot
Sv: Sydbläddra, Sydblåsört, Citrongul vattenbläddra
Cy: Chwysig-Wraidd, Chwysigenddail Cyffredin, Chwysigenwraidd Cyffredin, Swigenddail
Synonyms
- Utricularia siakujiiensis (S.Nakaj. ex H.Hara)
- Utricularia galloprovincialis (J.Gay ex Webb)
- Utricularia vulgaris f. fixa (Komiya)
- Utricularia incerta (Kamienski)
- Utricularia vulgaris var. mutata (Döll)
- Utricularia sacciformis (Benj.)
- Utricularia protrusa (Hook.f.)
- Utricularia vulgaris f. tenuis (Saelán)
- Utricularia neglecta var. gallaecica (Merino)
- Utricularia vulgaris var. neglecta ((Lehm.) Coss. & Germ.)
- Utricularia vulgaris var. formosana (J.Kuo)
- Utricularia tenuicaulis (Miki)
- Utricularia australis f. fixa ((Komiya) Komiya & C.Shibata)
- Utricularia australis f. tenuicaulis ((Miki) Komiya & C.Shibata)
- Utricularia jankae (Velen.)
- Utricularia pollichii (F.W.Schultz)
- Utricularia vulgaris var. tenuicaulis ((Miki) J.Kuo)
- Utricularia mairii (Cheeseman)
- Utricularia vulgaris subsp. neglecta ((Lehm.) Bonnier & Layens)
- Utricularia vulgaris f. tenuicaulis ((Miki) Komiya)
- Utricularia neglecta (Lehm.)
- Utricularia spectabilis (Madauss)
- Utricularia mutata ((Döll) Leiner)
Distribution
- Afghanistan (native)
- Albania (native)
- Algeria (native)
- Amur (native)
- Austria (native)
- Belarus (native)
- Belgium (native)
- Botswana (native)
- Bulgaria (native)
- Central European Rus (native)
- China North-Central (native)
- China South-Central (native)
- China Southeast (native)
- Czechoslovakia (native)
- Denmark (native)
- East Himalaya (native)
- Finland (native)
- France (native)
- Free State (native)
- Gabon (native)
- Germany (native)
- Great Britain (native)
- Greece (native)
- Hainan (native)
- Hungary (native)
- India (native)
- Iran (native)
- Iraq (native)
- Ireland (native)
- Italy (native)
- Japan (native)
- Jawa (native)
- Kenya (native)
- Korea (native)
- Kuril Is. (native)
- KwaZulu-Natal (native)
- Mauritania (native)
- Morocco (native)
- Myanmar (native)
- Nansei-shoto (native)
- Nepal (native)
- Netherlands (native)
- New Guinea (native)
- New South Wales (native)
- New Zealand North (native)
- New Zealand South (native)
- Northern Provinces (native)
- Northern Territory (native)
- Northwest European R (native)
- Norway (native)
- Oman (native)
- Pakistan (native)
- Palestine (native)
- Philippines (native)
- Poland (native)
- Portugal (native)
- Primorye (native)
- Queensland (native)
- Romania (native)
- Rwanda (native)
- Sakhalin (native)
- South Australia (native)
- Spain (native)
- Sri Lanka (native)
- Sudan (native)
- Sumatera (native)
- Sweden (native)
- Switzerland (native)
- Taiwan (native)
- Tanzania (native)
- Tasmania (native)
- Tibet (native)
- Turkey (native)
- Turkey-in-Europe (native)
- Uganda (native)
- Victoria (native)
- West Himalaya (native)
- Western Australia (native)
- Yemen (native)
- Yugoslavia (native)
- Zambia (native)
- Zaïre (native)
- Zimbabwe (native)
Additional Images
Flower
Taken Jun 30, 2022 by Magalie Bau (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 31, 2021 by Josie Canevet (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 12, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 24, 2009 by Tela Botanica − liliane pessotto (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 17, 2021 by huy HO (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Jun 12, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 12, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 12, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 12, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 12, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken Jun 12, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 12, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Jul 15, 2005 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Jul 15, 2009 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Jul 15, 2009 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Aug 15, 2006 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Jun 12, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Jun 9, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 9, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 9, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 9, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 9, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Photoflora – L’Abbé COSTE (©)
Taken Jul 15, 2009 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Jul 31, 1853 by Tela Botanica − Herbier PONTARLIER-MARICHAL (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 15, 2004 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)
Taken May 15, 2016 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:526603-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Utricularia australis R.Br.)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/7297904)
Specifications
Growth
Ph maximum: 6.5
Ph minimum: 5.5
Light: 6
Atmospheric humidity: 9
Bloom months: [‘jun’, ‘jul’, ‘aug’, ‘sep’]
Soil nutriments: 3