Living between land and water – structural and functional adaptations in vegetative organs of bladderworts

Abstract Aims The carnivorous Utricularia (Lentibulariaceae) has an anatomically simple and seemingly rootless vegetative body. It occupies a variety of wetlands inland waters shows broad range life forms. Here, we aimed to elucidate structural functional traits in various hydric conditions. Furthermore, intended evaluate morpho-anatomical adaptations correlation with Methods Morpho-anatomical characteristics typical for hydrophytes all forms were investigated by light microscopy on 13 taxa, compared one Pinguicula two Genlisea assessed multivariate analyses. Results Vegetative structures showed reduced cortical, supporting, vascular tissues. With increasing water table, leaves thinner, narrower or dissected, submerged organs tended contain chloroplasts parenchymatic epidermal cells. In some main stolons, endodermis Casparian strips was visible. Large gas chambers, including novel ‘crescent’ special ‘hollow’ aerenchyma pattern, found amphibious free-floating taxa. Conclusions evolutionary transfer carnivory from aerial subterranean , even more coincides highly simplified anatomy, which is adapted conditions compensates innovations the uptake nutrients.