Drosera gracilis
About
This species, *Drosera gracilis*, is a smaller, distinctly red-colored sundew that is similar to the nominal form of *Drosera peltata* but is restricted to wet peaty areas in Tasmania. It is notable for its late-season growth, blooming late spring into summer, unlike other forms of the species.
Field notes
Morphology
The species has distinctly red stems and leaves, and is generally smaller than the nominal form of Drosera peltata.
Distribution & habitat
Southern, eastern and south-west Australia, Tasmania, New Zealand (in Northland) as well as south-east Asia and India. Specifically, in Tasmania, it is restricted to wet peaty areas.
Cultivation notes
The tuberous Drosera typically require wet, cool winters, which is their active growing season, and warmer, nearly bone-dry summers or the dormant tubers will rot. Drosera peltata can withstand wetter summers.
History & etymology
The overall species complex was first described by Carl Peter Thunberg in 1797. Drosera gracilis was formerly recognized as a species and is now treated as a separate species by the Tasmanian Herbarium and the Australian Plant Name Index.
Habitat
- Altitude
- Not recorded
- Altitude class
- —
- Native to
- Philippines, India, Australia
Cultivation
- Difficulty
- intermediate