Drosera rotundifolia

Rotundifolia leaf morphology

Drosera rotundifolia ne2

Drosera rotundifolia Distribution Map

Drosera rotundifolia habitat

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Drosera rotundifolia Brown's Lake Bog

Drosera rotundifolia, commonly known as the round-leaved sundew or common sundew, is a species of carnivorous plant belonging to the family Droseraceae. It is widely distributed in the boreal regions of the Northern Hemisphere, including parts of Europe, Asia, and North America. This small plant is well-known for its round, dew-covered leaves that trap and digest insects to supplement the poor mineral nutrition they receive from the environments in which they typically grow, such as bogs and wetlands.

Description

Drosera rotundifolia is characterized by its small size, typically growing to a height of 5-10 cm. The leaves are arranged in a basal rosette, each leaf being round in shape—hence the name "rotundifolia," which means "round-leaved." The upper surface of the leaves is covered in specialized glands that produce a sticky, dew-like substance. This substance is both attractive and deadly to insects, which become trapped upon contact. The plant then secretes enzymes to digest the insects, absorbing nutrients such as nitrogen to compensate for the nutrient-poor soils in which it lives.

The flowers of Drosera rotundifolia are small and white, appearing on solitary, slender stalks that rise above the leaf rosette during the summer months. Despite its carnivorous nature, the plant is pollinated by insects, which it does not trap on the flower stalks.

Habitat and Distribution

Drosera rotundifolia is found in a variety of wetland habitats, including bogs, fens, and the edges of streams and lakes. It prefers acidic soils and is often found growing in sphagnum moss. The species has a wide distribution in the Northern Hemisphere, reflecting its adaptability to various cold and temperate climates.

Conservation

While Drosera rotundifolia is not currently listed as endangered on a global scale, its habitats are threatened by human activities such as peat extraction, land drainage for agriculture, and pollution. Conservation efforts are focused on protecting wetland habitats to ensure the survival of this and other bog-dwelling species.

Cultivation

Drosera rotundifolia is popular among carnivorous plant enthusiasts and is relatively easy to cultivate under the right conditions. It requires a wet, acidic substrate and full to partial sunlight. Care should be taken to mimic its natural bog habitat as closely as possible, including maintaining high humidity and avoiding the use of fertilizers, which can harm the plant.

In Culture

The round-leaved sundew has been a subject of fascination and folklore in the regions where it grows. It has been used in traditional medicine for various ailments, although such uses are not supported by modern scientific evidence.

See Also

• Carnivorous plants of the world
• Bog
• Wetland conservation