Family: Lentibulariaceae
Author: L.
Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 17 (1753)
Year: 1753
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Pinguicula
Vegetable: False
Observations: W. Europe to NW. Africa
Description
The Pale Butterwort, scientifically known as Pinguicula lusitanica, is a fascinating insectivorous plant belonging to the Lentibulariaceae family. It was first described by the renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus in his seminal work “Species Plantarum” published in 1753.
This delicate plant thrives in various regions across Western Europe and stretches as far as Northwest Africa. The Pale Butterwort prefers damp, nutrient-poor soils typically found in acidic bogs, marshes, and along the edges of streams and ponds.
The plant is recognized for its charming, pale-colored flowers that range from soft pink to white. These blossoms are small yet striking, often displaying a delicate, five-lobed corolla that adds a touch of beauty to its damp habitats. Despite its alluring floral display, the Pale Butterwort uses its glandular leaves to ensnare and digest insects, supplementing its nutritional needs in nutrient-deficient environments. The leaves are typically a light green and covered in sticky mucilage that traps small insects. Once an insect is captured, the plant secretes digestive enzymes to break down its prey, absorbing essential nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus.
Adapted to survive in challenging conditions, Pinguicula lusitanica employs a unique method of nutrient acquisition that sets it apart from many other plant species. Its adaptability and intriguing carnivorous mechanism make it a point of interest for botanists and plant enthusiasts alike. As an important component of its ecosystem, the Pale Butterwort contributes to the biodiversity and biological complexity of the wetland habitats it inhabits.
Common Names
Eng: pale butterwort
Fra: grassette du portugal
Cym: tafod-y-gors gwelw, toddaidd gwelw, toddaidd penfro
En: Pale Butterwort
Fi: Rusoyökönlehti
Fr: Grassette du Portugal
Cy: Tafod-y-gors gwelw, Toddaidd Gwelw, Toddaidd Penfro
: Pale butterwort
Synonyms
- Isoloba lusitanica ((L.) Raf.)
- Pinguicula subaequalis (Stokes)
Distribution
- Algeria (native)
- France (native)
- Great Britain (native)
- Ireland (native)
- Morocco (native)
- Portugal (native)
- Spain (native)
Additional Images
Leaf
Taken Jan 2, 2003 by David Genney (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 20, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 26, 2021 by Mr. Not (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 31, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Florent BECK (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 20, 2021 by Pierre LEON (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken May 22, 2022 by Tristan Jaton-Maria (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 26, 2022 by Pierre LEON (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 31, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Florent BECK (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 20, 2021 by Pierre LEON (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 20, 2021 by Pierre LEON (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken May 31, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Florent BECK (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 31, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Florent BECK (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 31, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Florent BECK (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 8, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Sylvain PIRY (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 20, 2021 by Pierre LEON (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken May 26, 2022 by Pierre LEON (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 31, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Florent BECK (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 31, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Florent BECK (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 31, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Florent BECK (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 31, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Florent BECK (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken Jan 15, 1995 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Jan 15, 1995 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Photoflora – L’Abbé COSTE (©)
Taken May 31, 1877 by Tela Botanica − Herbier PONTARLIER-MARICHAL (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 31, 1880 by Tela Botanica − Herbier PONTARLIER-MARICHAL (cc-by-sa)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5667916)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:526482-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Pinguicula lusitanica L.)
Specifications
Growth
Ph maximum: 4.5
Ph minimum: 4.0
Light: 8
Atmospheric humidity: 8
Bloom months: [‘may’, ‘jun’, ‘jul’]
Soil nutriments: 2