Drosera arcturi
About
A perennial, insectivorous alpine herb, *Drosera arcturi* is notable for its distinctive red glandular hairs and its unique life cycle, forming an elongated, horn-shaped hibernaculum to survive harsh alpine winters.
Field notes
Morphology
The leaves are linear, 1–5 cm long, undivided, and range in color from pale green to muddy brown, darkening to maroon in full sunlight. The plant produces small, solitary white flowers (13 mm across) in summer, and after flowering, the leaves reduce to form an elongated, horn-shaped hibernaculum.
Distribution & habitat
Found in bogs, tarns, and seepages at montane or alpine elevations, ranging from the East Cape of the North Island, New Zealand, south to Stewart Island, New Zealand. It is also found in the mountains of southeastern Australia and Tasmania, sometimes descending to sea level.
Ecology
The species catches insects using sticky, red glandular hairs on its leaves. It is a summer grower that forms a hibernaculum, which is normally buried near the surface of the soil or moss.
History & etymology
The specific epithet, which translates as "of Arthur" from Latin, is a reference to Mount Arthur, in north-eastern Tasmania, the type locality of the species.
Conservation
Assessed as Least Concern (LC) on the IUCN Red List.
Habitat
- Altitude
- Not recorded
- Altitude class
- —
- Native to
- Australia
Cultivation
- Difficulty
- intermediate