Mexican butterwort

Photo by Dave Brigner

Sunday August 15, 2010

Common name: Mexican butterwort

Light: Full sun

Height: 2 in.

Spread: 2-3 in.

USDA Hardiness Zone: 10

Origin: Mexico

Nearly 80 species of butterworts are included in the genus Pinguicula. The succulent bright green leaves of these carnivorous plants are covered with glands that produce tiny sticky droplets. This substance gives the leaves a greasy appearance giving this plant its common name. Small flying insects are attracted to the plant and become stuck and digested. The species are categorized into either being tropical or temperate. Tropical butterworts retain their leaves all year whereas temperate plants develop a small bud (hibernacula) made of overlapping scales that carry the plant thru a dormancy period. As with most carnivorous plants, their flowers are held high above the foliage to reduce the risk of their pollinators getting trapped. Several species of butterworts including the Mexican butterwort (Pinguicula ehlersia, pictured) are included in the ‘Savage Gardens’ exhibit at Franklin Park Conservatory.

- Dave Brigner Franklin Park Conservatory