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Description
Utricularia Livida is a carnivorous plant that belongs to the genus Utricularia, which contains more than 200 species of aquatic and terrestrial carnivorous plants. It is commonly known as the purple bladderwort or purple-flowered bladderwort. This plant is native to South America, where it can be found in countries such as Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay.Utricularia Livida is a small plant that grows up to 10cm in height. It has a thin stem and small leaves that are divided into segments. The plant produces purple flowers that are about 2cm in size. The flowers have a distinctive shape and are held above the plant on a slender stalk.This plant is a carnivorous plant that traps small aquatic animals such as water fleas and mosquito larvae in its bladder-like traps. It does this by using a suction mechanism that sucks the prey into the trap, where it is then digested.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Lentibulariaceae |
| Genus | Utricularia |
Appearance
Utricularia Livida is a small plant that grows up to 10cm in height. It has a thin stem and small leaves that are divided into segments. The leaves are green and have a slightly hairy texture. The plant produces purple flowers that are about 2cm in size. The flowers have a distinctive shape and are held above the plant on a slender stalk.The plant’s bladder-like traps are also visible on the plant. These traps are small and transparent and are attached to the stem of the plant. They are used to trap small aquatic animals such as water fleas and mosquito larvae.
Care Guide
Utricularia Livida requires specific care to thrive in a garden or home environment. Here are some tips for caring for this carnivorous plant:Water: Utricularia Livida is an aquatic plant that requires a constant supply of water. It should be grown in a container with standing water, which should be changed regularly to prevent stagnation.Fertilization: This plant does not require fertilization as it obtains its nutrients from the prey it traps.Soil: Utricularia Livida does not require soil as it is a carnivorous plant that obtains its nutrients from the prey it traps. It should be grown in a container with standing water.Sunlight: This plant prefers bright but indirect sunlight. It should be placed in a location that receives at least four hours of sunlight per day.Hardiness Zones: Utricularia Livida is a tropical plant that is not frost hardy. It should be grown in hardiness zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Utricularia Livida is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can be susceptible to root rot if it is grown in stagnant water. To prevent this, the water in the container should be changed regularly to prevent stagnation.
Habitat
Utricularia Livida is native to South America, where it can be found in countries such as Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay. It is typically found in wetland habitats such as bogs, marshes, and swamps.
Question and Answer
Q: How often should I change the water in the container?
A: The water in the container should be changed every two weeks to prevent stagnation.Q: Can I grow Utricularia Livida in a terrarium?
A: Yes, Utricularia Livida can be grown in a terrarium as long as it has a constant supply of standing water.Q: Does Utricularia Livida require fertilization?
A: No, Utricularia Livida does not require fertilization as it obtains its nutrients from the prey it traps.Q: Can I grow Utricularia Livida outdoors?
A: Yes, Utricularia Livida can be grown outdoors in hardiness zones 9-11.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Utricularia Livida:- Utricularia vulgaris- Utricularia gibba- Utricularia purpurea- Utricularia subulata
References
– “Utricularia Livida.” The Plant List. n.d. Web. 15 Aug. 2021.- “Utricularia Livida.” Missouri Botanical Garden. n.d. Web. 15 Aug. 2021.- “Purple-flowered Bladderwort.” Carnivorous Plants UK. n.d. Web. 15 Aug. 2021.
