Utricularia gibba, commonly known as humped bladderwort, is an aquatic carnivorous perennial herb. It is native to freshwater habitats such as shallow ponds, lakes, ditches, pools, bogs, swamps, and marshes worldwide, with a preference for nutrient-poor, acidic waters. It often forms dense, free-floating mats of fine, thread-like stolons with small, scale-like leaves and numerous tiny, bladder-like traps that capture small aquatic prey. The plant exhibits a remarkable adaptation to its nutrient-poor environment by supplementing its diet through carnivory. Utricularia gibba blooms throughout the year, producing bright yellow, two-lipped flowers with reddish-brown veins, which are quite showy despite their small size.

This species is valued for its unique carnivorous nature and can be a fascinating addition to water gardens and indoor aquariums. It requires minimal maintenance, as it obtains nutrients from captured prey rather than relying on fertile soil. In cultivation, it prefers full sun to partial shade and must be submerged in water. While it can be a conversation piece for its unusual feeding strategy, Utricularia gibba can become weedy and potentially invasive outside its native range, so caution is advised when introducing it to new areas.CC BY-SA 4.0