New Species of Carnivorous Plants Discovered by TCD Botanist

Posted on: 14 February 2011

Three new species of carnivorous plants have been discovered by TCD Professor of Systematic Botany and Head of the School of Natural Sciences, Dr John Parnell, and his research associate Piyakaset Suksathan in northern Thailand.  The discovery of these new species of the genus Utricularia is an indicator of both Thailand’s rich plant biodiversity and the research possibilities for the discovery of new species of fauna specific to Thailand.

Carnivorous plants derive some of their nutrients from trapping and consuming insects.  Their carnivorous strategy enables the plants gain additional nutrients and thrive in areas where the soil is thin and lacking nutrients.  The discoveries of Utricularia inthanonensis, Ultricularia phusoidaoensis and Utricularia spinomarginata were all made at high altitude cliff locations where nutrient rich soil was in short supply.  The descriptions of these new species published in a recent article co-written by Dr Parnell and his associate have led to the revision of this genus of carnivorous plants allowing for the publication of the full account of the family in the Flora of Thailand series.

Utricularia inthanonensis, Suksathan & Parnell.

Speaking about the discoveries Dr Parnell said: “The flora of Thailand has yet to be fully uncovered and potentially there remain a large number of new species which await finding and description.  These new tiny, lithophytic and highly attractive members of the genus highlight the wealth of possibilities open to researchers for discovering other mysterious fauna hidden in remote areas of northern Thailand.”