Common butterwort

Tags: Carnivorous plant Description: The butterwort has a leaf rosette of slightly thick, almost luminous pale green leaves that lie right against the ground. These leaves are sticky and can therefore trap insects that settle on them. When an insect sits there, the plant secretes enzymes from small glands on the leaves that dissolve the insect so that the plant can take up the nutrients. Use: Traditionally, butterwort has been used to produce a soured milk called tettemelk or tykkmelk. Lukewarm milk was poured over the leaves and left for 2–3 days until it turned sour and thick. It could then keep for a long time. The leaves have also been used medicinally to rub on wounds, warts and insect bites, and a herbal tea made from the plant was used against chronic coughs and other respiratory infections. Habitat type: Water and bog Edible: No Written by: Lærke Stewart

Common butterwort. Photo: Gina Wigestrand

Common butterwort – the flower. Photo: Gina Wigestrand

Common butterwort – the leaves. Photo: Gina Wigestrand