Pinguicula agnata
| Pinguicula agnata | |
|---|---|
 | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Embryophytes |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Asterids |
| Order: | Lamiales |
| Family: | Lentibulariaceae |
| Genus: | Pinguicula |
| Species: | P. agnata |
| Binomial name | |
| Pinguicula agnata | |
Pinguicula agnata is a subtropical, perennial, carnivorous species of plant in the family Lentibulariaceae[1].
Description
The flowers of Pinguicula agnata bloom during late spring. They are zygomorphic and their color ranges from violet to white. They possess edible trichomes that function as rewards for the pollinators that visit them[1].
The plant is heterophyllous, meaning it has two sets of leaves[2]. It alternates between succulent, non‐carnivorous winter leaves (7.5–30 mm) with non‐glandular hairs and larger, succulent carnivorous summer leaves (35–80 mm) lined with stiff bristles which capture unsuspecting prey upon contact.
Distribution and habitat
Pinguicula agnata is native to northeastern Mexico. Endemic to humid pine forests, this species was the first carnivorous plant species to be known to perform crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM), an adatation of photosynthesis to arid climate[2]. Its succulent leaves retain moisture during the dry season.
References
- 1 2 Lustofin, Krzysztof; Świątek, Piotr; Stolarczyk, Piotr; Miranda, Vitor F O; Płachno, Bartosz J (2020-10-30). "Do food trichomes occur in Pinguicula (Lentibulariaceae) flowers?". Annals of Botany. 126 (6): 1039–1048. doi:10.1093/aob/mcaa123. ISSN 0305-7364. PMC 7596368. PMID 32592586.
- 1 2 Fleck, N. J.; Messerschmid, T. F. E.; Fleischmann, A.; Ferrari, R. C.; Kadereit, G. (January 2026). "Yes, we CAM ! First evidence of CAM photosynthesis in a carnivorous plant". Plant Biology. 28 (1): 272–281. Bibcode:2026PlBio..28..272F. doi:10.1111/plb.70128. ISSN 1435-8603. PMC 12710813. PMID 41215461.
- "Pinguicula agnata Casper". Catalogue of Life. Species 2000: Leiden, the Netherlands. Retrieved 18 April 2024.