Jan Wieneke · CC BY-SA 3.0
About
A compact and fast-trapping sundew, *Drosera burmanni* is notable for its ability to curl its leaves around prey in a matter of seconds. It is an annual plant that produces large amounts of seed, and historically has been used as a rubefacient in Ayurveda.
Field notes
Morphology
The species is an herb forming a rosette with very short stems, featuring red or green leaves. These leaves are wedge-shaped or orbicular, typically measuring 6–10 mm long and 4–6 mm wide, and usually span only 2 cm in diameter. White flowers are produced in groups of 3 to 10 on racemose inflorescences that can reach 6–15 cm tall.
Distribution & habitat
Its natural range includes the tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, specifically India, Taiwan, Southeast Asia, and China's Guangxi, Guangdong, Yunnan, and Fujian provinces, as well as Australia.
Ecology
The plant is known for its rapid trapping mechanism, capable of curling its leaves around an insect in seconds. It is generally considered an annual.
History & etymology
The species was first described in detail by Johannes Burman in his 1737 publication on the flora of Ceylon. It was formally named *Drosera burmanni* in 1794 by Martin Vahl. Previously, *D. dietrichiana* was described and later reduced to a variety of *D. burmanni*, and both are now considered synonyms.
Habitat
- Altitude
- —
- Altitude Class
- —
- Native To
- Australia
Cultivation
- Difficulty
- intermediate
Crossed Drosera burmanni with another species?
Register the cross — if it's not yet documented you'll be the first contributor. If someone already registered it, you'll be redirected to add your photo.