Carnivorous Plant Seeds - Drosera derbyensis - Australian Insectivorous Sundew

Drosera derbyensis Seeds

Carnivorous Sundew

Sundews leaves are usually flat with hundreds of tentacles which hold a gland that produces the dew. The dew is very thick and sticky. When an insect gets stuck to some dew, more tentacles move in to get their dew covered glands against the insect to keep it from escaping. The glands on top of the tentacles then secrete acids and enzymes which dissolve the insect. The glands then re-absorb the nutrient rich fluid. Drosera derbyensis belongs to the woolly sundew group, whose members are native to areas of Australia where it is hot and humid in summer and hot and dry in winter. Drosera derbyensis is also sometimes referred to as Octopus plant because of its many leaves or arms. This perennial dies back in its natural environment during the dryer season, however in cultivation they will keep growing if kept wet. Fun & educational!