Drosera lunata
About
A robust, perennial tuberous sundew, *Drosera peltata* is notable for its large distribution across Australia, New Zealand, and Southeast Asia. It is an upright species that aestivates as a dormant underground tuber, making it relatively easy to cultivate compared to other members of the genus.
Field notes
Morphology
The plant has an underground tuber (4–6 cm deep) and aerial parts ranging from 5–50 cm in height. It typically features an evident rosette of leaves at the soil surface, which can be reduced to scales in mature plants. The aerial stem is simple or slightly branched. Colors vary significantly by form: D. foliosa is bright grass green, D. peltata subsp. auriculata is often tinged with red, and D. gracilis is always orange or dark red.
Distribution & habitat
Southern, eastern, and south-west Australia, Tasmania, New Zealand (Northland), south-east Asia, and India. It is commonly found on frost-free open flats with light scrub, regenerating forest, grassy verges, and roadside cuttings.
Cultivation notes
The species is one of the easiest tuberous Drosera to cultivate, requiring wet, cool winters for its active growing season, and warmer, nearly bone-dry summers for dormancy. It can withstand wetter summers than many other tuberous species.
History & etymology
Drosera peltata was first described by Carl Peter Thunberg in 1797. The specific epithet is Latin for "shield shaped," referencing the shape of the cauline leaves. The subspecies D. auriculata was originally named by James Backhouse and formally described by Jules Émile Planchon in 1848.
Habitat
- Altitude
- Not recorded
- Altitude class
- —
- Native to
- Philippines, India, Australia
Cultivation
- Difficulty
- intermediate