Utricularia geminiscapa is one of New Zealand's three aquatic bladderworts. Little is known about this plants' occurrence in New Zealand as it has only recently been recognised as being different from the rather similar looking Utricularia australis. It's growth is fundamentally the same as for Utricularia australis although a very large trap, to 3mm long, is often produced near the base of a leaf couplet. The easiest way to tell the two species apart is by their their flowering structures. Unlike Utricularia australis, this species has cleistogamous flowers, which are borne singly and directly from the stolon (it does not form a scape). Seed is also readily produced.
Habitat -
Shallow pools amongst Pakihi vegetation, in still tannin stained water.
Distribution -
Known from only one location at sea level near Westport on the northern West Coast of the South Island. Also occurs in the northern USA and Canada.
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