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An epiphytic species with large white flowers. It is found in northern South America growing in moss and cloud forest. It has tubers and strong rhizomes that run vigorously through
a mossy substrate. I had hoped that it might be tolerant of lower temperatures for a while. Unfortunately it also occurs on many Caribbean islands
indicating that it grows in warm conditions. It did fine in the greenhouse in summer but needed to be brought in to a growing case through the winter
with a miunimum of about 10degC. Noorden Carnivorous Plants say: "In the wild, this plant is most at home in tropical montane cloud forests, growing on mossy rocks, tree roots, or in deep forest litter at elevations between 900 and 2,800 meters. Its native habitats are perpetually moist, shaded, and humus-rich, with cool temperatures compared to lowland tropics. Utricularia alpina is not considered threatened, but its cloud forest ecosystem is sensitive to deforestation and climate change, so cultivated specimens contribute to ex-situ conservation." |
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| 13th July 2008 | ||
