What plant is characterized by its purple or yellow flowers, small insect-trap bladders, and lack of true roots?

Bladderworts are a unique group of aquatic plants known for their distinctive characteristics. They belong to the genus Utricularia and are recognized by their small, bladder-like structures that serve as traps to capture tiny aquatic organisms, such as insects and small crustaceans. These traps are essential for the plant's nutrient acquisition, as bladderworts thrive in nutrient-poor environments.

The purple or yellow flowers typical of bladderworts are an additional identifying feature. Unlike many other plants, bladderworts lack true roots; instead, they have floating stems and specialized bladders for trapping prey. This adaptation allows them to absorb nutrients directly from the water, making them specially suited to their aquatic habitats.

In contrast, the other options reflect different types of plants, none of which share the combination of features that define bladderworts. Understanding these specific characteristics is crucial for identification and management in aquatic ecosystems.