Utricularia
Utricularia species, commonly known as bladderworts, exhibit diverse growth habits and are categorized into three ecological types: aquatic, epiphytic, and terrestrial.
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Aquatic Utricularia species, such as Utricularia vulgaris, float freely in water or are anchored in submerged environments. They use bladder-like traps to capture small aquatic prey like insect larvae and protozoa.
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Epiphytic Utricularia grow on other plants, typically in humid tropical forests. They absorb moisture and nutrients from the air and debris around them, often thriving in mossy tree branches. Species like Utricularia alpina and Utricularia jamesoniana are adapted to these aerial habitats.
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Terrestrial Utricularia are found in wet, nutrient-poor soils, often in bogs or sandy areas. These species, such as Utricularia sandersonii, have small traps in the soil to catch microscopic organisms, helping them supplement their nutrient intake.
