Pinguicula agnata, a carnivorous sticky plant

Pinguicula agnata is the Superman of carnivorous plants. In winter, this variety of the Lentibulariaceae family is like Clark Kent: harmless and unobtrusive. But in summer, its rosette of leaves acquires the superpower of capturing and digesting insects.

Pinguicula agnata is a carnivorous perennial with a prostrate habit. It reaches a maximum diameter of 25 centimetres.

The rosette of leaves varies in appearance throughout the year. In winter, it doesn't exceed five centimetres in diameter. The succulent green leaves are covered with white hairs, but do not capture insects.

Traps only work in summer. In summer, the rosette measures up to 20 centimetres in diameter. It's made up of ten-centimetre-long spatulate leaves. Light green to yellow, they are slimy and attract prey such as flies and midges. Once trapped, they are dissolved and assimilated by the plant's digestive juices.

Butterwort flowers in summer. A five-lobed flower appears at the top of a 20-centimetre flowering spike. The color of the petals depends on the variety. Botanical butterwort produces a white flower with purple margins. It can also be totally white, completely purple, or white with a purple heart, as in pinguicula 'Tina. But whatever its color, it gives off a delicate scent, similar to that of violets.

If you have a cat or dog, it's best to keep them away from your Pinguicula agnata. The enzymes are found on the leaves. If your pet nibbles on them, it could become ill.