Greater Bladderwort, Water bladder wort
Utricularia vulgaris
Family: Lentibulariaceae
What it is like
A herb. It keeps growing from year to year suspended in water. It has underwater stems which are narrow and divided. It has very thin stolons or runners. The bladders are 0.5 cm across and amongst the leaves. The leaves are narrowly oval and 3-5 cm long by 2-6 mm wide. The flowers are rich golden yellow. They are in groups of 6-8 on long stems above the water.
There are about 200-215 Utricularia species. They trap and digest insects.
Where it is found
It is a temperate plant. In China it grows in ditches and rice fields from 100-3500 m altitude in northern regions. It needs good sunlight. In Sichuan.
Countries/locations it is found in
Afghanistan, Africa, Asia, Australia, Canada, Central Asia, China, Europe, Kazakhstan, Luxembourg, Mongolia, North Africa, North America, Pakistan, Russia, Slovenia, Tajikistan, Tibet, USA, Uzbekistan
How it is used for food
The root is eaten.
Edible parts
Leaves, root
How it is grown
It is slow growing.
Its other names
Local names
Asian bladderwort, Li zao, Navadna mešinka