Wuerzele · CC BY-SA 4.0
About
*Drosera adelae*, commonly known as the lance-leaved sundew, is a tropical perennial carnivorous plant endemic to Queensland, Australia. It is characterized by its sword-shaped leaves and sticky, tentacled traps.
Field notes
Morphology
The plant produces long, sword-shaped leaves in a basal rosette, which are narrowly lanceolate, typically measuring 10–25 cm long and 7–10 mm wide. These leaves are covered with sticky, stalked tentacles that secrete glue to capture prey. The plant also produces one-sided raceme inflorescences up to 35 cm long, bearing red, reddish orange, or cream-colored flowers from June to November.
Distribution & habitat
This species is native to Rockingham Bay, Hinchinbrook Island in Queensland, Australia. It typically thrives in the densely shaded margins of northeastern Australian rainforests. Its preferred habitat includes sandy soils along creek banks or on wet rocks near waterfalls.
Ecology
As a carnivorous plant, *Drosera adelae* uses sticky, stalked tentacles that secrete a glue to trap prey. Unlike some other sundews, the movement of these tentacles is minimal and slow. The species reproduces rapidly by asexual means, generating new plantlets from its spreading roots.
Cultivation notes
Although a tropical plant, *D. adelae* is somewhat tolerant of frost and can recover from short periods of cold temperatures. It can tolerate brighter light and lower humidity compared to related species. In low light, the leaves are greener, but brighter light encourages the production of shorter, bronze-colored leaves.
History & etymology
*Drosera adelae* was first described by Ferdinand von Mueller in 1864. A later infraspecific taxon described by Ludwig Diels in 1909 is now considered a synonym of *D. schizandra*.
Conservation
The source material does not provide information regarding the IUCN status or current conservation threats for *Drosera adelae*.
Habitat
- Altitude
- 0–600 m
- Altitude Class
- lowland
- Native To
- Australia
Cultivation
- Difficulty
- easy
- Temperature
- Day 22–30°C / Night 16–22°C
- Humidity
- 60–85%
- Notes
- Queensland rainforest endemic. Prefers shade and high humidity.
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