What is the scientific name of the western false asphodel recognized as carnivorous in 2021?

The scientific name of the western false asphodel recognized as carnivorous in 2021 is Triantha occidentalis.

This Pacific Northwest flowering plant belongs to the family Tofieldiaceae and grows from Southeast Alaska to central California. Its carnivory was identified in 2021 after researchers noticed a genetic feature associated with carnivorous plants and investigated its flower stalks.

Unlike pitcher plants or sundews, Triantha catches prey on sticky flower stems. Tiny gland-tipped hairs trap small insects, especially fruit flies, and produce phosphatase, an enzyme that helps release nutrients from the insects. The plant absorbs those nutrients through the stem.

A common mix-up is confusing the species with unrelated carnivores such as Drosera or Pinguicula. Triantha is especially unusual because its trap sits close to the flowers, although its sticky stems mainly catch small insects rather than larger pollinators. It was described botanically in 1879, decades before its carnivorous behavior was recognized.