According to Janarthanam and Henry (1992) U. purpurascens Graham was validly published on the basis of materials observed in Mahabaleshwar. J. Graham's catalogue in general did not deal with dried specimens in herbariums. In absence of original materials preserved in any of the herbaria, Janarthanam 82941 (MH) collected from the type locality after a lapse of about 150 years is designated as neotype. U. arcuata proved conspecific to U. purpurascens. It is allied to U. albocoerulea differentiated with character of sickle shaped spur of corolla. U. purpurascens Graham is undoubtedly a distinct species and its inclusion under U.graminifolia Vahl by Taylor in 1989 appears to be erroneous.

Although this species is recognized as distinct in Indian literature, it has been included in U. graminifolia by Taylor and appears as such in IPNI and TROPICOS.

This carnivorous plant is found in China, India, Myanmar and Sri Lanka. It is common and at places abundant at many locations and no significant decline has been observed in the populations in the past. It is present throughout a wide range with a large area of occupancy and extent of occurrence. Thus, the species is categorized as Least Concern.

The species is found from south China to India. In China, it has been recorded from Yunnan, Fujian, and Guangdong. In India it is found in the northern parts of Western Ghats from Maharashtra, Karnataka and Goa. Janarthanam and Henry (1992) have mentioned Gujarat in the in the distribution based on locality Junnar which is erroneous as Junnar is in Maharashtra. None of the other references record the presence of this species in Gujarat.  All the records are from the top or foothills of Western Ghats.

Population data are not available. It forms dense mats of more than 100 individuals per meter in suitable habitats.

The species grows on wet rocks, soil covered boulders and grassy slopes (Janarthanam and Henry 1992).  It grows on primary or secondary bare rocky areas in the Western Ghats hills. It is dominant on basalt and lateritic rock outcrops and forms ephemeral flush vegetation. Other common habitats are marshes, swamps and stream sides.

Local grazing and trampling pressures are one of the major factors affecting this species in India. This leads to soil compacting, changes in surface drainage and nutrient loads which can affect the species in the long run (A.Watve pers. obs. 2010). Many of the locations are also undergoing changes due to tourism, windmill farming etc. but the species can occupy secondary habitats and is not much affected by these land-use changes. These are not considered as major global threats at the moment but they might be important in the future in the Western Ghats region.

In parts of west Maharashtra, Konkan area and in Goa, the species is used for decoration of Pandal at the time of Ganesh festival. However this is a very minor use and very localised. Hence not influencing the species population to any extent (A. Watve pers. obs. 2010).

No action has been reported so far.  Since the habitat of this species is under threat from various developmental, tourism and mining activities, it is important to understand the long term impacts of this adaptable species. Continuous monitoring of habitats and populations are recommended.