Aldrovanda Vesiculosa

Common Names - Synonyms:

Aldrovanda generalis E.H.L.Krause
Aldrovanda verticillata Roxb.
Drosera aldrovanda F.Muell.

Origin - Distribution:

• Africa
• Australasia
• Europe

Aldrovanda vesiculosa, commonly known as the waterwheel plant, is the sole extant species in the flowering plant genus Aldrovanda of the family Droseraceae. The plant captures small aquatic invertebrates using traps similar to those of the Venus flytrap. The traps are arranged in whorls around a central, free-floating stem, giving rise to the common name. This is one of the few plant species capable of rapid movement.

Aldrovanda vesiculosa is the most widely distributed carnivorous plant species, native to Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia. Aldrovanda is spread mainly through the movement of waterfowl: plants sticking to the feet of a bird are transported to the next aquatic destination on the bird's route. As a result, most Aldrovanda populations are located along avian migratory routes. Throughout the last century the species has become increasingly rare, listed as extinct in an increasingly large number of countries.

Additional Links:
Wikipedia
USGS - NAS(Non-indigenous Aquatic Species)