Hairy-spurred butterwort (Pinguicula leptoceras, Iconogr. Bot. Pl. Crit. 1: 69 (1823))

Family: Lentibulariaceae

Author: Rchb.

Bibliography: Iconogr. Bot. Pl. Crit. 1: 69 (1823)

Year: 1823

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Pinguicula

Vegetable: False

Observations: Alps to N. Appennini

Description

The Hairy-spurred butterwort, scientifically known as Pinguicula leptoceras, is an enchanting species of carnivorous plant that captivates botanists and plant enthusiasts alike. Initially described by Reichenbach in 1823 in “Iconographia Botanica Plantarum Criticarum” (Iconogr. Bot. Pl. Crit.), this plant has continued to intrigue researchers with its unique adaptations and striking appearance.

Native to the rugged terrains of the Alps extending to the northern Apennines, the Hairy-spurred butterwort thrives in the cool, moist environments typical of these mountainous regions. This plant is a member of the Lentibulariaceae family, a group renowned for their fascinating, insect-trapping mechanisms.

Pinguicula leptoceras possesses a rosette of succulent leaves that exude a sticky mucilage to trap unsuspecting insects. These insects provide essential nutrients, allowing the plant to flourish in nutrient-poor soil conditions often found in its native habitats. The leaves not only serve as an effective trapping mechanism but also present a delicate beauty with their soft, green coloration.

One of the most distinctive features of the Hairy-spurred butterwort is its intricate flowers. Each blossom showcases a soft lavender hue, contrasted by veins of deeper purple, culminating in a captivating pattern. The flowers are characterised by a conspicuous spur, lightly covered in fine hairs, which adds to the plant’s charm and prompts its common name.

The Hairy-spurred butterwort stands as a prime example of nature’s ingenuity, evolving to secure its survival in challenging environments. Its dual role in both capturing prey and producing exquisite flowers makes it a focal point of study in carnivorous plant research and a beloved specimen among horticulturists.

In summary, Pinguicula leptoceras is more than just a plant; it is a remarkable organism that embodies the delicate balance between beauty and survival. Its presence in the mountainous regions of Europe not only enhances the biodiversity of these areas but also contributes valuable insights into the adaptive strategies of carnivorous plants.

Common Names

En: Hairy-spurred Butterwort, Southern Butterwort
Nl: Smalgespoord Vetblad
Fr: Grassette à éperon étroit, Grassette à éperon grêle
De: Blaues Fettblatt, Dünnsporn-Fettkraut, Dünnsporniges Fettkraut, Weißgeschecktes Fettkraut, Blaues Alpen-Fettblatt
It: Erba-unta bianco-maculata
: Hairy-spurred butterwort

Synonyms

• Pinguicula leptoceras var. lepontina (Chiov.)
• Pinguicula vulgaris var. leptoceras ((Rchb.) Ces., Pass. & Gibelli)
• Pinguicula hellwegeri (Murr)
• Pinguicula leptoceras var. hellwegeri ((Murr) Dalla Torre & Sarnth.)
• Pinguicula leptoceratia (St.-Lag.)
• Pinguicula leptoceras var. tridentina (Dalla Torre & Sarnth.)
• Pinguicula vulgaris subsp. leptoceras ((Rchb.) Arcang.)

Distribution

• Austria (native)
• France (native)
• Italy (native)
• Switzerland (native)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Jun 30, 2019 by Franco Colnago (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 17, 2021 by Raffaella B. (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 1, 2020 by Carlo Bottero (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 23, 2019 by stefano1203 (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 21, 2018 by Daniele Boggiani (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Jun 14, 2020 by Deborah (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 16, 2022 by ian h (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 28, 2020 by Traudl Staller-Mattersberger (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 30, 2019 by Franco Colnago (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 22, 2019 by Andre Moser (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken May 27, 2016 by Martin Bishop (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jul 15, 2010 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Jul 15, 2013 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jul 15, 2013 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jul 15, 1993 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Jul 10, 2007 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Jul 15, 1999 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jul 15, 2000 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jul 15, 2002 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jul 15, 2002 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jul 15, 2013 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Pinguicula leptoceras Rchb.)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5667932)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:526474-1)

Specifications

Growth

Ph maximum: 8.0

Ph minimum: 7.5

Light: 7

Atmospheric humidity: 8

Soil nutriments: 2