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Description
Utricularia Gibba, also known as humped bladderwort, is a small carnivorous plant belonging to the genus Utricularia. It is commonly found in freshwater ponds, marshes, and slow-moving streams across North America, Europe, and Asia. This plant has a unique adaptation of tiny bladder-like traps that it uses to capture small aquatic organisms such as protozoa, insect larvae, and other small invertebrates.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Lentibulariaceae |
| Genus | Utricularia |
Appearance
Utricularia Gibba is a small plant that typically grows to a height of 1-5 cm. It has slender stems that bear tiny, delicate, pale yellow flowers with a distinctive spur. The leaves of this plant are divided into two types, one being flat and lobed, while the other is thread-like and unbranched. The flat leaves float on the surface of the water, while the thread-like leaves are submerged and help the plant to anchor itself.
Care Guide
Water: Utricularia Gibba grows best in stagnant water with a pH range of 6.0-7.5. The water should be kept clean and free from pollutants.Fertilization: The plant does not need fertilization as it derives its nutrients from the insects it captures.Soil: Utricularia Gibba does not grow in soil as it is an aquatic plant.Sunlight: This plant requires full sunlight to thrive.Hardiness Zones: Utricularia Gibba is hardy in zones 5-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Utricularia Gibba is generally not susceptible to pests and diseases. However, overgrowth of algae and other aquatic plants can crowd out the plant and reduce its growth.
Habitat
Utricularia Gibba is native to North America, Europe, and Asia. It is commonly found in freshwater ponds, marshes, and slow-moving streams. It can also be grown in aquariums and water gardens.
Question and Answer
Q: How does Utricularia Gibba capture its prey?
A: Utricularia Gibba captures its prey using tiny bladder-like traps that suck in small aquatic organisms such as protozoa, insect larvae, and other small invertebrates.Q: Can Utricularia Gibba be grown in an aquarium?
A: Yes, Utricularia Gibba can be grown in aquariums and water gardens.Q: Does Utricularia Gibba need fertilization?
A: No, Utricularia Gibba does not need fertilization as it derives its nutrients from the insects it captures.Q: What is the pH range for growing Utricularia Gibba?
A: Utricularia Gibba grows best in stagnant water with a pH range of 6.0-7.5.
Related Plants
- Utricularia inflata
- Utricularia purpurea
- Utricularia vulgaris
References
- “Utricularia gibba.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed on 11 August 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=b774
- “Utricularia gibba.” PlantNet. Accessed on 11 August 2021. https://www.plantnet.org/en/illustration/utricularia-gibba
- “Utricularia gibba.” The Carnivorous Plant FAQ. Accessed on 11 August 2021. http://www.sarracenia.com/faq/faq5310.html
