Evolution of unusual morphologies in Lentibulariaceae and Podostemaceae

Rutishauser presents a pictorial report on released bauplans as typical for bladderworts (Utricularia, Lentibulariaceae) and river-weeds (Podostemaceae) within eudicots (angiosperms). Lentibulariaceae are carnivorous, possessing flypaper traps, eel-traps or sucking traps. They live as humid terrestrials, as submerged aquatics (except for their flowers), or even as epiphytes.

Utricularia dichotoma. Photo John Tann / Flickr

Most Podostemaceae are restricted to rocks in tropical river-rapids and waterfalls. As submerged haptophytes during the rainy season, they emerge with their flowers afterwards. The recent scientific progress in the developmental biology and evolutionary history of both Lentibulariaceae and Podostemaceae is summarized.