Lentibulariaceae

Non-woody (herbaceous) carnivorous plants, mostly of aquatic habitats, wetlands or wet soil; capturing insects and other small invertebrates on the upper surface of sticky leaves (Pinguicula) or in tiny bladder traps (Utricularia) located under water or within soil or moss on the plant’s leaves or branches. Plants in this family are all carnivorous and have similarities in flower structure and preference for wet areas, but differ considerably in their vegetation.

Leaves all in a basal rosette and above ground in Pinguicula; leaves linear and above ground and/or dissected with threadlike segments and underwater or below ground in Utricularia.

Flowers yellow, pink-purple or blue-violet, solitary at the top of a stalk, or in a raceme of up to 20 toward the top of a stalk. Each flower is bilaterally symmetrical, produces both pollen and seeds, and has all major flower parts, although some parts are at least partially fused. Sepals 5, usually partially fused at base to form 2 lips, some or all sepal tips remain free as lobes. Petals 5, also partially fused, forming a tube and 2 lips; the lips usually with lobes. Petal tube at base of the lowest petal extends to form a long blind-ended hollow projection or short sac that accumulates nectar and attracts insect pollinators. The lowest petal of Utricularia flowers also has a hump (‘palate’) on its upper surface. Stamens 2, located inside the tubular portion of the petals. Ovary located above point at which other flower parts are attached (hypogynous). Fruit a capsule with small seeds.