Pinguicula gigantea

Taxobox | name = "Pinguicula gigantea"


image_width = 250px
image_caption =
regnum = Plantae
divisio = Magnoliophyta
classis = Magnoliopsida
ordo = Lamiales
familia = Lentibulariaceae
genus = "Pinguicula"
species = "P. gigantea"
binomial = "Pinguicula gigantea"
binomial_authority = A. Lau

"Pinguicula gigantea" is a tropical species of carnivorous plant in the family Lentibulariaceae. Its native range is within Mexico. "P. gigantea"'s flower is usually a purple colour with the occasional light blue also seen. "P. gigantea"was once classified as "Pinguicula ayautla".

This "Pinguicula" was discovered and described by the botanist Alfred Lau. [ [http://www.pinguicula.org/pages/plantes/pinguicula_gigantea.htm Pinguicula gigantea ] ]

"P. gigantea" has a few different forms, such as the 'white flower' form or the 'blue flower'.

Plant characteristics

Habitat

"P. gigantea" grows in the Mexican state of Oaxaca at an altitude of 688 meters or 2260 feet.Fact|date=June 2007

Leaves and carnivory

"P. gigantea", unlike most "Pinguicula" species, has sticky upper and undersides of the leaves. The leaves have trichomes on them, which secrete a mucilage that traps prey. "P. gigantea"'s leaves are among the largest in its genus. The species epithet, "gigantea", describes this characteristic.

Flowers

The flowers of "P. gigantea" are usually zygomorphic. The varieties of "P. gigantea" differ solely on their flowers, such as the 'blue flower' "P. gigantea" or the 'white flower' forms. Other forms have also been described.

Dormancy and winter

"P. gigantea" is a tropical Mexican species of "Pinguicula". Its dormancy is not regulated by temperature or light. Like most tropical species, its dormancy is triggered by lack of moisture. Very little precipitation falls during the winter in Mexico where this "Pinguicula" species lives. In order to survive in these conditions it forms non-carnivorous leaves and can handle dry conditions. When the plant emerges from its dormant period in the Spring, it produces new carnivorous leaves and eventually flowers.

Cultivation

Cultivation of "P. gigantea" requires little effort. "P. gigantea" thrives in soil medium that is more well-drained than most carnivorous plant media.

Propagating

"P. gigantea" can be propagated by seed or by leaf cutting. The disadvantages to propagation by seed include slow growth and the use of a second flowering "P. gigantea" plant to obtain better seed set results. Propagating by leaf cuttings has the advantage of a shorter time to the adult plant.

Availability

"P. gigantea" is available in cultivation, but not widely available.fact|date=March 2007

References

External links

* [http://www.pinguicula.org/pages/plantes/pinguicula_gigantea.htm Pinguicula.org's Information and pictures on "P. gigantea" from Pinguicula.org]