Family: Lentibulariaceae
Author: L.
Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 18 (1753)
Year: 1753
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Utricularia
Vegetable: Unknown
Observations: Trop. & S. Africa, Madagascar, Trop. & Subtrop. America
Description
The Leafy Bladderwort, scientifically known as Utricularia foliosa, is an intriguing species within the family Lentibulariaceae. First described in 1753, this remarkable plant has captivated botanists and plant enthusiasts alike with its unique adaptations and widespread geographic distribution.
This species is predominantly found in tropical and subtropical regions, spanning across Tropical and Southern Africa, Madagascar, as well as parts of the Americas. Its ability to thrive in a variety of aquatic habitats, from still ponds to slow-moving streams, highlights its versatility and resilience.
A key characteristic of the Leafy Bladderwort is its method of nutrient acquisition. Unlike most plants that rely solely on soil nutrients, Utricularia foliosa employs a carnivorous strategy to supplement its diet. It features small, bladder-like traps on its thread-like structures beneath the water surface. These specialized bladders create a vacuum, effectively capturing and digesting tiny aquatic organisms such as protozoans and small crustaceans. This unique adaptation allows it to survive in nutrient-poor environments where other plants might struggle.
The foliage of the Leafy Bladderwort is also distinctive. It bears finely divided, feather-like leaves that provide an increased surface area for photosynthesis while also supporting the trapping mechanisms. The plant’s flowers, which float above the water, add a touch of beauty to its otherwise utilitarian appearance. These blooms can vary in color but often display shades of yellow, adding a splash of vibrancy to their aquatic surroundings.
The ecological role of Utricularia foliosa extends beyond its carnivorous habits. It plays an important part in maintaining the balance of its ecosystem by controlling the population of small invertebrates. Furthermore, its presence can be a bioindicator of water quality, aiding in environmental monitoring and conservation efforts.
In summary, the Leafy Bladderwort is a fascinating example of nature’s ingenuity. With its widespread occurrence in tropical and subtropical regions, its carnivorous lifestyle, and its ecological significance, this plant exemplifies the complexity and diversity of aquatic flora.
Common Names
Eng: leafy bladderwort
En: Leafy bladderwort
Zh: 叶状狸藻, 葉狀狸藻
Zh-hant: 葉狀狸藻
Synonyms
- Utricularia guianensis (Splitg. ex de Vriese)
- Utricularia rhodocnemis (Mart. ex Benj.)
- Utricularia foliosa var. gracilis (Kamienski)
- Utricularia cernua (Hoffmanns. ex Benj.)
- Utricularia mixta (Barnhart)
- Utricularia olygosperma (A.St.-Hil.)
- Utricularia botecudorum (A.St.-Hil. & Girard)
- Utricularia foliosa var. olygosperma ((A.St.-Hil.) M.Gómez)
Distribution
- Alabama (native)
- Angola (native)
- Argentina Northeast (native)
- Bahamas (native)
- Belize (native)
- Bolivia (native)
- Botswana (native)
- Brazil North (native)
- Brazil Northeast (native)
- Brazil South (native)
- Brazil Southeast (native)
- Brazil West-Central (native)
- Burkina (native)
- Burundi (native)
- Cameroon (native)
- Chad (native)
- Colombia (native)
- Congo (native)
- Costa Rica (native)
- Cuba (native)
- Dominican Republic (native)
- Ecuador (native)
- El Salvador (native)
- Ethiopia (native)
- Florida (native)
- French Guiana (native)
- Gabon (native)
- Galápagos (native)
- Georgia (native)
- Ghana (native)
- Guatemala (native)
- Guinea (native)
- Guinea-Bissau (native)
- Guyana (native)
- Haiti (native)
- Honduras (native)
- Ivory Coast (native)
- Jamaica (native)
- KwaZulu-Natal (native)
- Louisiana (native)
- Madagascar (native)
- Mali (native)
- Mexico Central (native)
- Mexico Gulf (native)
- Mexico Northeast (native)
- Mexico Southeast (native)
- Mexico Southwest (native)
- Mississippi (native)
- Namibia (native)
- Nicaragua (native)
- Niger (native)
- Nigeria (native)
- North Carolina (native)
- Panamá (native)
- Paraguay (native)
- Peru (native)
- Senegal (native)
- Sierra Leone (native)
- Suriname (native)
- Tanzania (native)
- Texas (native)
- Trinidad-Tobago (native)
- Venezuela (native)
- Zambia (native)
- Zaïre (native)
Additional Images
© 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.
Leaf
Taken Sep 14, 2022 by maxime fonteyne (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 3, 2009 by EOL − Barry Rice (cc-by-nc-sa)
Flower
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Bart Wursten (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Bart Wursten (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jul 22, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 22, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 3, 2009 by EOL − Barry Rice (cc-by-nc-sa)
Habit
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Stefan Dressler (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Marco Schmidt (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Marco Schmidt (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jul 22, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 22, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Bart Wursten (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jun 2, 2009 by EOL − Barry Rice (cc-by-nc-sa)
Bark
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Georg Zizka (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Georg Zizka (cc-by-nc-sa)
Other
Taken May 30, 2017 by Dominguez Yoannis (cc-by-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3172439)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:526759-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Utricularia foliosa L.)
