Pinguicula vulgaris

Overview

Pinguicula vulgaris is a perennial in Lentibulariaceae. Burke describes succulent, slimy basal leaves and solitary flowers on leafless stalks. The corolla has two upper and three lower lobes, and a slender rear spur.

The Canadian Arctic flora documents glands on the upper leaf surface that retain small insects and digest them through secretions. The leaves act as adhesive traps; this is an adhesive trapping system. The same account describes a two-lipped flower, a dry capsule and numerous small seeds. Gland activity is observed biological function, while exact enzyme pathways or evolutionary transitions are outside the selected passages.

Regional accounts remain regional. Burke reports bogs and wet soil from middle elevations to alpine settings and a circumboreal distribution. The Arctic flora records moist pond margins and depressions, with variable substrate chemistry. Regional measurements differ. One flower size, colour shade or calendar should not be universalised across the species.

Origins & earliest records

The name was published by Linnaeus in 1753; the retained floras provide modern descriptions rather than an origin date for carnivory.

Evidence & interpretation

Selected retained scientific and institutional passages.

Selected bibliography

Documented works and useful reading. This is not a list of every appearance.

1. 01

   Pinguicula vulgaris

   Don Knoke and David Giblin

2. 02

   Canadian Arctic flora: Pinguicula vulgaris

   S. G. Aiken and colleagues

Family & connections

A source-supported family tree or inspiration record has not yet been compiled for this profile. Related reading below indicates a connection in subject matter, not a proven lineage or creative influence.

References

Sources supporting this profile. Linked pages have their own scope and editorial standards.

1. Herbarium flora diagnosisPinguicula vulgarisResearch access: 2026-10-11
2. Research flora; species descriptionCanadian Arctic flora: Pinguicula vulgarisResearch access: 2026-10-11

Image credits

Modern AI interpretation of a butterwort rosette and flower.

Modern AI botanical interpretation; gland texture, individual arrangement and setting schematic.