Pinguicula, commonly known as the butterworts, is a genus of carnivorous flowering plants in the family Lentibulariaceae. They use sticky, glandular leaves to lure, trap, and digest insects in order to supplement the poor mineral nutrition they get from the environment.
Pinguicula means "little greasy one" in Latin, they are commonly called butterworts or "pings" by some growers. They grow throughout the northern hemisphere, but a vast majority is concentrated in MΓ©xico, with some species located in South America.
Pinguicula's leaves are coated in microscopic glandular hair that secrete sticky mucilage. These glands have the ability to capture sunlight, giving the leaves a glittering, shinning appearance that may attract insects. Most of Pinguicula's victims are small gnats, fruit-flies, or springtails. As soon as butterworts catch their prey, their sessile glands start to release digestive enzymes to dissolve their victims, then the sessile glands reabsorb this fluid rich in nutrients.
Pinguicula's size can range from 1" to 10" in diameter, depending on the species or hybrid. They are also known for their pretty flowers, which vary by species. Butterworts are really easy to grow; all they need is distilled water and sunlight.
