BOTANICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF Utricularia punctata Wall. ex A.DC. DISTRIBUTED IN BAO LAM DISTRICT, LAM DONG PROVINCE

Abstract

Members of the Lentibulariaceae family exhibit a suite of adaptive traits that enable survival in oligotrophic aquatic environments. The hydrogeological conditions of Lam Đong Province, marked by numerous lentic and lotic systems with elevated iron concentrations, provide an ecological niche conducive to the proliferation of various Lentibulariaceae species, including Utricularia punctata. Plant samples were collected using a modified version of the Madsen (1999) method. To examine the anatomical structure, plant samples were sectioned and subjected to double staining. The study results reveal that Utricularia punctata has developed morphological adaptations to its environment, such as the development of creeping stems and a photosynthetic leaf system. Additionally, the floral characteristics indicate adaptation to insect pollination. The structure of the creeping stems and flowering branches of Utricularia punctata exhibits typical features of submerged plants with intercellular spaces containing air (aerenchyma) that enhance gas circulation and exchange while supporting the inflorescence.