Utricularia Furcellata: A Rare Carnivorous Plant Species Discovered in Uttarakhand

The Uttarakhand Forest Department's research department identified a unique carnivorous plant called 'Utricularia Furcellata' in the Mandal valley of Chamoli district. According to Sanjiv Chaturvedi, Chief Conservator of Forests, this is the first occurrence of the plant in Uttarakhand as well as the entire western Himalayan area (Research). 

This was the first extensive research of its kind in the state, and thus far, roughly 20 plant species from the genera Drosera, Utricularia, and Pinguicula have been identified.

The finding was published in the 106-year-old scientific magazine 'Journal of Japanese Botany,' which is regarded as one of the best in the field of plant taxonomy and botany. A study team led by Range Officer Harish Negi and Junior Research Fellow Manoj Singh made the finding.

The observation was part of an insectivorous plant research effort in Uttarakhand. Carnivorous plants, which often thrive in low-nutrient soil, have sparked renewed attention in the scientific community throughout the world due to their possible medical advantages.

This finding was made as part of an insectivorous plant research effort in Uttarakhand. However, the species is threatened by high biotic pressure as a result of its location in a tourist area.

5 Unknown Facts About Utricularia Furcellata

• Utricularia furcellata is a tiny carnivorous plant of the genus Utricularia, sometimes known as bladderworts.

• Utriculari Furcellata’s action is purely mechanical, with a vacuum or negative pressure region created to pull prey within the trap.

• The brilliant violet flowering plant is endemic to northeast India and Thailand.

• To capture its prey, the carnivorous plant employs one of the most advanced and evolved plant structures.

• Protozoa, insects, mosquito larvae, and even tiny tadpoles are among the plant's prey.

• To pull its prey within the trap door, the plant produces a vacuum or a negative pressure zone.

Where can you find Carnivorous Plants?

Carnivorous plants can be found in both fresh water and damp soil. They develop in situations where the soil is thin or lacking in nutrients, particularly nitrogen, such as acidic bogs, and adapt by feeding on other living species.