Hairy butterwort (Pinguicula villosa, Sp. Pl.: 17 (1753))

Family: Lentibulariaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 17 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Pinguicula

Vegetable: False

Observations: Subarctic to N. Korea

Description

The Hairy Butterwort, scientifically known as Pinguicula villosa, is a captivating and unique plant belonging to the Lentibulariaceae family. First described in 1753 by the renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus, this plant has intrigued botanists and plant enthusiasts for centuries.

Pinguicula villosa is a remarkable species of butterwort native to subarctic regions, extending its reach as far as North Korea. Its adaptation to such a wide range of cold climates showcases its resilience and the fascinating evolutionary strategies it has developed. One of its most distinctive features is the hairy texture from which its common name, Hairy Butterwort, is derived. These tiny hairs play a crucial role in the plant’s survival, aiding in the capture of prey.

The Hairy Butterwort is a carnivorous plant, luring and trapping small insects with its sticky, glandular leaves. These leaves excrete a mucilaginous substance that not only immobilizes their prey but also secretes digestive enzymes to absorb essential nutrients from the unfortunate victim. This adaptation allows Pinguicula villosa to thrive in nutrient-poor soils where many other plant species might struggle.

In terms of habitat, the Hairy Butterwort is often found in regions characterized by cold, harsh climates. It typically grows in wet, boggy areas where moisture is abundant. Despite these seemingly inhospitable conditions, Pinguicula villosa has evolved to flourish, making it a fascinating subject of study in the field of botany.

The beauty and intrigue of the Hairy Butterwort lie not only in its carnivorous nature but also in its delicate appearance and tenacity in adversity. Its presence across such a broad range of subarctic territories underscores the adaptability and extraordinary capabilities of this small yet formidable plant.

Common Names

Nor: bleegt, laadent tættegras
Nob: dvergtettegras
Nno: dvergtettegras
Swe: dvärgtätört, karvayökönlehti
Eng: hairy butterwort, small butterwort
Fin: karvayökönlehti
Sme: deaggadohpi, deaggavuodjalasta
Fra: grassette velue
En: Hairy butterwort, Small butterwort, Pale Butterwort
Fi: Karvayökönlehti
Fr: Grassette velue, Grassette du Portugal
Se: Deaggadohpi, Deaggavuodjalasta
No: Bleegt, Laadent tættegras
Nb: Dvergtettegras
Nn: Dvergtettegras
Sv: Dvärgtätört, Karvayökönlehti

Synonyms

• Pinguicula villosa f. albiflora (J.Frödin)
• Pinguicula involuta (Schrank)
• Pinguicula acutifolia (Michx.)

Distribution

• Alaska (native)
• Alberta (native)
• Aleutian Is. (native)
• Amur (native)
• British Columbia (native)
• Buryatiya (native)
• Chita (native)
• Finland (native)
• Inner Mongolia (native)
• Irkutsk (native)
• Kamchatka (native)
• Khabarovsk (native)
• Korea (native)
• Krasnoyarsk (native)
• Kuril Is. (native)
• Labrador (native)
• Magadan (native)
• Manitoba (native)
• North European Russi (native)
• Northwest Territorie (native)
• Norway (native)
• Nunavut (native)
• Ontario (native)
• Québec (native)
• Sakhalin (native)
• Saskatchewan (native)
• Sweden (native)
• Tuva (native)
• West Siberia (native)
• Yakutskiya (native)
• Yukon (native)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Jun 27, 2022 by Nina Autant (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 27, 2022 by Nina Autant (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 27, 2022 by Nina Autant (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5415064)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:526522-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Pinguicula villosa L.)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Forb/herb

Growth