Photos: Rinecaha, the Burren, Co. Clare

Lesser Bladderwort Utricularia minor Lus borraigh beag Family: Lentibulariaceae Flowering June - September. Insectivorous perennial. Native. Free-flowering, the pale yellow flowers with short (1-2mm) spurs, corallas 6-8mm long. Leaves are 3-6mm with untoothed, threadlike segments and bristles only at leaf-tips. The small, transparent bladders trap small aquatic creatures which provide nutrients. Length 3-30cm. Can be locally frequent in acidic or base-rich, nutrient-poor, shallow water in bog pools, ditches and fens but appears to have decreased in south-east Ireland due to habitat loss. Similar: Greater Bladderwort, Utricularia vulgaris

Lesser Bladderwort, Utricularia minor, Lus borraigh beag