Genus: Pinguicula from Latin 'fat' referring to soft, thickened leaves
Species: vulgaris means 'common'
No surprise that the favorite 'pings' would be of unique interest to plant enthusiasts for they are one of the few carnivorous, or insectivorous, plants in the Park. The rosette of fleshy stickly slimy leaves with rolled edges traps small insects which are then digested by enzymes. The plant gains additional nutrients this way since soil conditions are nitrogen poor. A single dark lavender flower of about 1" (2 cm) wide sits atop a single stem which grows to 6". Not common (infrequent at best) in the Park found below 5000' elevation in wet areas, bogs. (ref. Blackwell, Biek)
