Spatulate-leaved Sundew (Drosera intermedia)

Sundews are carnivorous plants which trap and digest insects as a nutrient supplement.

Spatulate-leaved Sundew (Drosera intermedia)

Glands on the leaf hairs secrete a sticky acidic fluid.

Spatulate-leaved Sundew (Drosera intermedia)

When an insect lands on the leaf it sticks to the hairs, stimulating them to bend slowly toward the centre of the leaf and press the insect against the leaf surface, where it is digested and the nutrients are absorbed by the leaf.

Spatulate-leaved Sundew (Drosera intermedia)

The sticky, round droplets and reddish colour of the plant give it the common name of “sundew”.

Spatulate-leaved Sundew (Drosera intermedia)
Spatulate-leaved Sundew (Drosera intermedia)

Spatulate-leaved sundew is usually in the wettest parts of bogs and on sandy shores subject to periodic inundation.

Spatulate-leaved Sundew (Drosera intermedia)

The flowering stalks are 7 – 35 cm tall.

Spatulate-leaved Sundew (Drosera intermedia)

The flowers are 5 -7 mm wide with 5 petals.

Spatulate-leaved Sundew (Drosera intermedia)

The plant blooms from June – August.

Spatulate-leaved Sundew (Drosera intermedia)
Spatulate-leaved Sundew (Drosera intermedia)

More photos:

Spatulate-leaved Sundew (Drosera intermedia)
Spatulate-leaved Sundew (Drosera intermedia)
Spatulate-leaved Sundew (Drosera intermedia)

Miles Hearn

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