Pinguicula
Sign in to savePinguicula, commonly known as butterworts, is a genus of carnivorous flowering plants in the family Lentibulariaceae. They use sticky, glandular leaves to lure, trap, and digest insects in order to supplement the poor mineral nutrition they obtain from the environment. 126 species are currently accepted. 13 are native to Europe, 9 to North America, and some to northern Asia. The largest number of species is in South and Central America.
Wikidata facts
- Instance of
- taxon
- Parent taxon
- Lentibulariaceae
- Image
- Pinguicula ne1.JPG
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Article
18 sectionsContents
- Etymology
- Characteristics
- Habitat
- Roots
- Leaves and carnivory
- Flowers
- Fruit and seed
- Diet
- Vegetative propagation
- Distribution
- Habitat
- Conservation status
- Botanical history
- Uses
- Classification
- References
- Further reading
- External links
Pinguicula, commonly known as butterworts, is a genus of carnivorous flowering plants in the family Lentibulariaceae. They use sticky, glandular leaves to lure, trap, and digest insects in order to supplement the poor mineral nutrition they obtain from the environment. 126 species are currently accepted. 13 are native to Europe, 9 to North America, and some to northern Asia. The largest number of species is in South and Central America.
==Etymology== The name Pinguicula is derived from a term coined by Conrad Gesner, who in his 1561 work entitled Horti Germaniae commented on the glistening leaves: "propter pinguia et tenera folia…" (Latin pinguis, "fat"). The common name "butterwort" reflects this characteristic.