Genlisea aurea
(Itacambira, Brazil)
Photos (3)
Description
Genlisea aurea is a perennial herb that forms small, compact rosettes composed of nearly linear leaves about 2 mm wide. Leaves are typically 5–50 mm in length, but most of that length, including the petiole, is hidden beneath the soil. The rosettes can grow to be as big as 5 cm wide. It has no true roots and instead has highly modified subterranean leaves that act as the carnivorous trapping mechanism.
The up to 40 cm tall inflorescence produces one to three flowers at its apex that are typically 15–20 mm long and are the largest of the yellow-flowered species. Each inflorescence can produce up to a total of eleven flowers. The flowers and the scapes are densely covered in glandular trichomes. 
History and Discovery
Genlisea aurea was initially discovered and described by Augustin Saint-Hilaire in 1833 with four other Brazilian species. Darwin took note of G. aurea in his 1875 manuscript, Insectivorous Plants. Recent study has focused on the carnivorous nature of G. aurea. At least two published sources note the variety within the species and genus and are optimistic that additional species will be located.
Distribution
Floristic provinces
Brazil North, Brazil Northeast, Brazil South, Brazil Southeast, Brazil West-Central
Habitat
It typically grows on sandstone highlands at altitudes from 550 m to 2550 m. Its preferred substrate is a black humus-rich soil, which is sometimes mixed with sand.
Cultivation
The plants I have come from Itacambira, Minas Gerais (Brazil). I keep them in pots with a mix of coarse sand and sieved peat. These are custom pots (3D-printed) that hang inside standard P7 pots. The whole setup sits in a water tray with the water about 1–2 cm below the surface of the medium. I’ve had this species since July 2025 and haven’t seen it flower yet.
Flowering Period
In its natural habitat year-round.