Common Butterwort


Common Butterwort
Taken at Aberlady on 12th June 2016 using Panasonic Lumix LX5 in macro mode

Common Butterwort.

Species:
Order:
Family:
Habit:
AKA:

Pinguicula vulgaris.
Lamiales.
Lentibulariaceae.
Perennial carnivorous.
Bog violet, Marsh violet.

Habitat:
Height:
Feature:

Damp environments such as bogs and swamps.
3 - 16 cms.
An insectivore. The bright yellowish-green leaves feature numerous glands that secrete a sticky fluid which attracts insects. When the insects become trapped, the leaf slowly curls inwards and eventually the insect will be digested. Was thought to have magical properties and the juices from the leaves were rubbed onto cows' udders in order to protect the milk (and resulting butter) from evil influences.