butterwort

 
Pronunciation: /ˈbʌtəwəːt/

noun

  • a carnivorous bog plant which has violet flowers borne above a rosette of greasy yellowish-green leaves that trap and digest small insects, found in both Eurasia and North America.
    • Genus Pinguicula, family Lentibulariaceae: several species, in particular the common butterwort (P. vulgaris)

Origin:

late 16th century: named from the plant's supposed ability to keep cows in milk, and so maintain the supply of butter