Bladderwort

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Scientific name: Utricularia aurea.

Utricularia aurea, commonly known as the golden bladderwort, is a species of carnivorous plant found in wetlands and boggy habitats throughout the southeastern United States, particularly in Florida and Georgia. It is characterized by its delicate, yellow flowers and intricate bladder traps, which are used to capture small aquatic organisms. The golden bladderwort is an aquatic or semi-aquatic plant with finely divided submerged leaves and erect, leafless stems that bear clusters of bright yellow flowers. Beneath the water’s surface, the plant produces bladder-like structures known as utricles, which are equipped with tiny trigger hairs. When an unsuspecting organism, such as a small aquatic invertebrate, brushes against these trigger hairs, the utricle rapidly sucks in water, along with the prey, through a process called “suction trapping.” The prey is then digested by enzymes within the utricle, providing essential nutrients to the plant. Utricularia aurea is admired not only for its carnivorous adaptation but also for its charming flowers, making it a sought-after species among carnivorous plant enthusiasts and a valuable component of aquatic ecosystems.