820B-3-Utricularia-australis-bl-Helen-Moss.jpg

Utricularia australis

Yellow Bladderwort

Perennial rootless herb suspended in water. Thread-like branched stem to 50cm long. Tiny egg-shaped, bladder-like traps to 2.5mm on leaves opening on the side or base to catch tiny organisms.

Additional information

  • FamilyLentibulariceae
  • StoreyLower storey
  • Size0.3-0.8 m long
  • Plant groupingAquatic & Semi aquatic
  • LeavesLeaves basal, 1.5-4 cm long, divided at base into 2 equal thread-like segments which are repeatedly divided.
  • Flower colourYellow with reddish-brown markings on lower lip
  • Flowering timeNovember to April
  • FlowersErect spray 10-30 cm long of 4-10 flowers, raised above the water. 2-lipped flowers 12-20 mm long, upper lip broad, lower lip larger, kidney-shaped, with a raised swollen base and conical pouch-like spur.
  • Bird attractingNo
  • Butterfly attractingNo
  • Frog habitatNo
  • Growing conditionsLakes and billabongs in still or slow-moving water to 0.6 m deep. Semi to dappled shade. Locally rare.
  • Garden useDams and pools.
  • Commercially availableNever
  • Conservation statusSignificant within the Shire. Known from very few local sites. Scattered throughout Victoria.
Photographer/s: 1 Chris Clarke, NatureShare ©; 2, 3 Helen Moss ©

Plant Communities

  • 47 Open Water - Reservoirs, lakes, etc (EVC 718)
  • 35 Floodplain Wetland Complex (EVC 172)
  • 39 Sedge Wetland Complex (EVC 136)
  • 41 Swamp Paperbark Riparian Thicket (EVC 59)
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