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Bladder function in Utricularia purpurea (Lentibulariaceae): is carnivory important?
1Department of Biological Sciences, Florida International University, Miami, Florida 33199 USA.
American Journal of Botany
|February 13, 2001
Summary
Utricularia purpurea, a carnivorous plant, invests significantly in bladders. These bladders primarily host symbiotic communities, suggesting mutualism benefits the plant.
Area of Science:
- Aquatic Botany
- Carnivorous Plant Ecology
- Plant-Microbe Interactions
Background:
- Utricularia purpurea is a free-floating, rootless aquatic carnivorous plant.
- Its bladders (traps) are a significant biomass investment, but their function and contents are not fully understood in natural settings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify biomass allocation to traps in Utricularia purpurea.
- To determine the functional onset of traps and their contents in natural habitats.
- To investigate the ecological interaction within Utricularia purpurea bladders.
Main Methods:
- Field study in the Everglades, south Florida.
- Quantification of biomass investment in bladders.
- Analysis of bladder contents at different developmental stages.
Main Results:
- Utricularia purpurea invests an average of 26% of its biomass in bladders, with variation across sites and time.
- Trapping activity begins as leaves mature; nearly all mature bladders contain allochthonous material.
- Few aquatic microinvertebrates are captured; most mature bladders harbor communities of algae, zooplankton, and debris.
Conclusions:
- The primary role of Utricularia purpurea bladders appears to be facilitating a mutualistic relationship rather than direct prey capture.
- The plant likely derives significant benefits from the established communities within its bladders.