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Drosera
(sundew)
Nature has endowed the Sundew with the unique ability to capture and digest insects. This carnivorous habit allows these plants to thrive in nutrient deficient soils and supplement its diet with animal protein. The sundews have a wide range; about 100 recognized species with new varieties being discovered that were not known to exist only a few years ago. This genus has seven North American representatives. They frequent the acid soil of pine barrens and peat bogs and are often found growing along with other Carnivorous Plants. The following is a list and brief description of the North American members:
Drosera filiformis var. filiformis
PHOTO: DON SCHNELL
D. rotundifolia (round leaf sundew) This plant is approximately 1 to 2 inches in diameter; mostly flat with white flowers. This species is found infrequently throughout North America.
D. intermedia (narrow leaf sundew) This plant is up to 3 inches in diameter (common) often larger in wetter conditions with leaves partially erect. The flower is white. FL to LA, Man. and Nfld. Also noted in the Carolinas.
D. brevifolia (leucantha) (dwarf sundew) The plant is not over 1 inch in diameter with small wedge shaped leaves; usually all red. The flower is white. TX to VA along the coastal plain.
D. capillaris (pink sundew) The plant is up to 2 inches in diameter; mostly flat. The flower is pink. LA to NC along the coastal plain.
D. filiformis (dew threads) The plant can be up to 3 inches in diameter with leaves stretching upright 6 to 14 inches. The flower is rose-purple. MS to NC and NJ along the coastal plain.
D. anglica is similar to D. intermedia but stouter and stiffer with longer leaf blades. The flower is white. Nfld. to AK and northern CA.
D. linearis is also similar to D. intermedia with even longer leaf blades than D. anglica. Found in marly bogs from Nfld. to MN.
Drosera filiformis var. tracyii
PHOTO: DON SCHNELL
Drosera capillaris (pink sundew)
PHOTO: DON SCHNELL
Sundew leaves have numerous tiny tentacle-like projections. At the end of each is a mucilaginous secretory gland. This gland secretes a droplet of sparkling fluid which gives the plant its dew-drop appearance. Insects, upon being attracted to the plant through odor and color, become stuck to the mucilage. With this stimulus, the tentacles begin to slowly enclose the victim. And later, in about an hour, the entire leaf itself may be bent over its prey. It has been found that these plants only respond to objects of nutritional value and not to sand, paper, or water.
Drosera linearis
PHOTO: DON SCHNELL
Drosera intermedia (narrow leaf sundew)
PHOTO: DON SCHNELL
BASIC CARE: The Drosera or sundew family of Carnivorous Plants require a very moist environment much like the other CPs and most thrive in an acidic soil. They should also receive several hours of sunlight each day in order to develop properly; although they are not as demanding as the Venus' flytrap. CLICK HERE for more information on the general care and cultivation of Carnivorous Plants.
home about us carnivorous plants (general culture) venus' flytrap pitcher plant sundew butterwort cobra lily
tropical pitcher plant current seed list other products (venus' flytrap bulb kit) additional photos place an order by mail