Sundew

Sundew

The Sundew (Drosera) is a genus of carnivorous plants that belong to the family Droseraceae. Sundews are found worldwide, with the highest concentration in Australia and South Africa. They are known for their unique method of capturing and digesting insects using sticky, glandular tentacles on their leaf surfaces.

Description

Sundews are characterized by their brightly colored, often red, glandular tentacles. These tentacles secrete a sticky substance that traps insects. Once an insect is trapped, the tentacles slowly curl around the prey, enveloping it and beginning the digestion process. The plant then absorbs the nutrients from the insect to supplement the poor mineral nutrition of the soil in which they grow.

Habitat and Distribution

Sundews are found in a wide range of habitats, from coastal plains to alpine meadows. They are most commonly found in acidic, nutrient-poor soils, such as bogs and fens. The highest concentration of sundew species is found in Australia and South Africa, but they are also found in North America, Europe, and Asia.

Cultivation and Uses

Sundews have been cultivated for their ornamental value and for their use in traditional medicine. Some species are also used in research, particularly in studies related to plant carnivory and mineral nutrition.

Conservation Status

Many species of sundews are considered threatened or endangered due to habitat loss and over-collection. Conservation efforts are ongoing to protect these unique and fascinating plants.

See Also

• Carnivorous Plants
• Droseraceae
• Bog
• Fen