Alpine Butterwort
Pinguicula alpina L.
Pinguicula alpina, known as Alpine Butterwort, is a carnivorous plant in the Lentibulariaceae family. It is native to high latitudes and altitudes in Eurasia, ranging from Iceland to the Himalayas. This species forms prostrate rosettes of green to red leaves and produces white flowers in summer. During winter, it enters dormancy as a tight hibernaculum. The plant uses mucilaginous glands on its summer leaves to attract, trap, and digest arthropods. It is one of the most widespread species in the genus Pinguicula.
Description
Pinguicula alpina is distributed across regions including Finland, Norway, Sweden, Austria, the Baltic States, Buryatiya, China, Czechoslovakia, the East Himalaya, France, Germany, Great Britain, Hungary, Irkutsk, Italy, Krasnoyarsk, Mongolia, and Myanmar. It was first described in 1753 by Linnaeus. The species is adapted to cold climates and is found in mountainous areas. The plant's leaves are covered with mucilaginous glands that aid in capturing prey. The type illustration and determination of the holotype have been discussed in botanical literature, with Blanca & Jarvis' type choice being accepted.
Other common names
Alpine Butterwort
Distribution
FI · NO · SE · Austria · Baltic States · Buryatiya · China North-Central · China South-Central · Czechoslovakia · East Himalaya · Finland · France · Germany · Great Britain · Hungary · Irkutsk · Italy · Krasnoyarsk · Mongolia · Myanmar · Nepal · North European Russi · Norway · Poland · Qinghai · Romania · Spain · Sweden · Switzerland · Tibet
Synonyms
Pinguicula brachylobaPinguicula gelidaPinguicula flavescensPinguicula alpestrisPinguicula albaPinguicula auricolorPinguicula pallidaPinguicula purpureaPinguicula alpina subsp. gaveiPinguicula alpina var. flavescensPinguicula albiflora var. villosaPinguicula alpina var. lenderiPinguicula alpina var. villosaPinguicula alpina var. lemanianaPinguicula alpina var. bimaculataPinguicula alpina var. flavescensPinguicula alpina var. gaveiPinguicula alpina var. gaveiPinguicula alpina var. villosa
