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Description
Utricularia Striata, also known as Striped Bladderwort, is a carnivorous plant that belongs to the Lentibulariaceae family. This aquatic plant is native to southern Africa and can be found in standing water such as ponds, marshes, and shallow streams. It has a unique mechanism for capturing prey, using tiny bladders that suck in water to create a vacuum that traps small insects and other organisms.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Lentibulariaceae |
| Genus | Utricularia |
Appearance
Utricularia Striata has slender stems that can grow up to 20 cm long. Its leaves are small and thread-like, measuring up to 5 cm in length. The plant produces yellow flowers with red stripes that bloom from October to December. The flowers are held above the water surface on long stalks that can reach up to 30 cm in height.
Care Guide
To care for Utricularia Striata, follow the guidelines below:
Water: Keep the plant in standing water that is at least 5 cm deep.
Fertilization: Do not fertilize the plant, as it obtains its nutrients from the prey it captures.
Soil: The plant does not require soil, as it is an aquatic plant.
Sunlight: Place the plant in full sun to partial shade.
Hardiness Zones: Utricularia Striata can grow in hardiness zones 9 to 11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Utricularia Striata is generally not prone to pests and diseases. However, improper care can lead to the growth of algae and other harmful organisms that can compete with the plant for nutrients. To prevent this, make sure to keep the water clean and free of debris.
Habitat
Utricularia Striata is native to southern Africa and can be found in standing water such as ponds, marshes, and shallow streams. It prefers areas with full sun to partial shade and can grow in hardiness zones 9 to 11.
Question and Answer
Q: How does Utricularia Striata capture its prey?
A: Utricularia Striata uses tiny bladders that suck in water to create a vacuum that traps small insects and other organisms.Q: What is the ideal water depth for Utricularia Striata?
A: Utricularia Striata should be kept in standing water that is at least 5 cm deep.Q: What should I do if algae starts to grow in the water?
A: To prevent the growth of algae, make sure to keep the water clean and free of debris.Q: What is the blooming season for Utricularia Striata?
A: Utricularia Striata produces yellow flowers with red stripes that bloom from October to December.
Related Plants
Here are some other carnivorous plants that are related to Utricularia Striata:
- Utricularia Sandersonii
- Utricularia Longifolia
- Utricularia Gibba
- Utricularia Inflata
References
- “Utricularia Striata.” PlantZAfrica, South African National Biodiversity Institute, www.plantzafrica.com/plantuvwxyz/utricularia.htm.
- “Utricularia Striata.” World of Flowering Plants, 27 Feb. 2019, worldoffloweringplants.com/2019/02/utricularia-striata.html.
- “Utricularia Striata.” The Carnivorous Plant FAQ, www.sarracenia.com/faq/faq5430.html.
