Butterworts

Butterworts are carnivorous plants in the genus Pinguicula, within the family Lentibulariaceae. They trap insects with sticky leaves and derive nutrients from prey in typically nutrient-poor soils.

They typically form low rosettes of fleshy leaves; the leaf surfaces are coated with translucent mucilage glands that secrete a tacky layer. When prey lands, it becomes stuck, and digestive enzymes break it down; nutrients are absorbed through the leaf surface. Flower stalks emerge separately, bearing showy blossoms.

Butterworts are native to temperate and subtropical regions around the world. They are commonly found in habitats such as bogs, damp meadows, rocky outcrops, and forests with acidic soils. Many species prefer bright light and high humidity.

In cultivation, butterworts are popular among carnivorous-plant enthusiasts. They require very nutrient-poor substrates, such as a mix of peat with sphagnum and perlite, with good drainage. They thrive under bright, indirect light and high humidity, and should be watered with low-mineral or rainwater. Most species do not tolerate mineral fertilizers. Some temperate species need a cooler winter dormancy period, while tropical species tend to be evergreen.

Taxonomically, the genus Pinguicula comprises around 80 species. The name derives from Latin pinguis, meaning fat, a reference to their thick leaves. Butterworts are related to bladderworts (Utricularia) and corkscrew plants (Genlisea) as members of the Lentibulariaceae family.