About
A notable species for its subterranean trapping mechanism, *Genlisea aurea* is one of the largest carnivorous plants in its genus. It is distinguished by its exceptionally small genome size for a flowering plant, which has been studied in detail.
Field notes
Morphology
It is a perennial herb forming small, compact rosettes of nearly linear leaves, typically 5–50 mm in length and about 2 mm wide. The rosettes can reach 5 cm wide. The up to 40 cm tall inflorescence bears one to three yellow flowers, which are 15–20 mm long, and the scapes are densely covered in glandular trichomes.
Distribution & habitat
Endemic to Brazil, ranging from Mato Grosso in the west to northeastern Bahia and down to Santa Catarina in the southeast. It typically grows on sandstone highlands at altitudes between 550 m and 2550 m.
Ecology
The plant uses highly modified subterranean leaves, which lack chlorophyll, to attract, trap, and digest protozoans. Research confirms that the species attracts prey chemotactically, trapping them in a corkscrew 'lobster pot' trap and digesting them with enzymes.
History & etymology
The species was initially discovered and described by Augustin Saint-Hilaire in 1833, along with four other Brazilian species.
Habitat
- Altitude
- 1,000–1,800 m
- Altitude Class
- intermediate
- Native To
- Brazil
Cultivation
- Difficulty
- intermediate
- Temperature
- Day 20–28°C / Night 14–22°C
- Humidity
- 55–85%
- Notes
- Yellow-flowered Brazilian corkscrew plant. Smallest genome in the plant kingdom.
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