About
A large, perennial suspended aquatic plant, *Utricularia inflata* is notable for its impressive, spongy, floating whorls that support numerous inflorescences. It is considered a problematic and potentially invasive species in many regions, capable of altering the sediment chemistry and negatively impacting native aquatic flora.
Field notes
Morphology
The plant has no true roots or leaves, relying on filiform stolons that can reach up to one meter or more in length. These stolons produce tiny, filament-like leaf structures (2–18 cm long) and stalked, ovoid traps (1–3 mm long). The most visible features are the floating, spoke-like whorls, which typically bear 6 to 10 spokes, each 3–10 cm long and up to 8 mm wide. The erect inflorescences, which can reach 20–50 cm, produce 9–14 flowers with unequal calyx lobes, and the corolla is bright yellow with brown veins.
Distribution & habitat
Native to the southeastern United States, with historical populations recorded in states including Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, New Jersey, North and South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia. It inhabits aquatic environments such as lakes, ditches, and swamps from shallow to deep waters.
Ecology
As a carnivorous plant, it traps prey using numerous stalked, ovoid traps produced on leaf-like segments. Its presence can negatively impact native aquatic flora, potentially shading out species like *Eriocaulon aquaticum* and altering the natural nutrient and sediment biogeochemical cycles.
History & etymology
Peter Taylor's 1989 taxonomic monograph listed the native populations of this species. The species is known for its diploid chromosome number of 2n = 18, though larger tetraploid populations (2n = 36) have also been found, such as in Florida.
Conservation
The species is listed by the state of Washington as a problematic species due to its dense mat-forming habit. Maryland, Michigan, and New York have classified it as an endangered or threatened species.
Habitat
- Altitude
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- Altitude Class
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Cultivation
- Difficulty
- intermediate
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