Utricularia bifida is a small carnivorous herb growing in wet places and marshes, especially in wet rocks near streams. It is the most common species in the genus, widespread in different areas. Usually, the species shares its habitat with other
Utricularia spp. such as
U. uliginosa (濕地挖耳草）
, U. caerulea（短梗挖耳草）,and
U. striatula（圓葉挖耳草）. However, the species seems to be able to tolerate slightly drier habitats when compared with other
Utricularia spp.. I once seen a flowering, healthy population growing on rocks that almost dried up and under direct sunlight, with no other
Utricularia spp. growing nearby. Like other species in the genus, the plant produces traps on leaves, roots, and other submerged structure. I heard that the traps use water pressure difference to suck small aquatic organisms in, but the traps are too small for me to observe.
U. bifida is characterized by its yellowish flowers. Here are some pictures taken on an outlying island, populations are also seen in streams all over Hong Kong.
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| Yellowish flower |
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| Leaves (the small, long ones) |
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