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About
*Drosera burmannii* is a small, compact carnivorous plant belonging to the genus *Drosera*, commonly known as the tropical sundew. It is noted for being one of the fastest trapping sundews, capable of curling its leaves around prey in seconds.
Field notes
Morphology
This herb features very short stems and produces red or green leaves arranged in a rosette. The plant typically spans only 2 cm in diameter, with each wedge-shaped or orbicular leaf measuring 6–10 mm long and 4–6 mm wide. It produces white flowers in racemoses, which can be 6–15 cm tall, with one to three inflorescences per plant.
Distribution & habitat
Its natural range is tropical and subtropical, spanning parts of Asia, including India, Taiwan, and various provinces in China (Guangxi, Guangdong, Yunnan, and Fujian). It is also found in Southeast Asia and Australia.
Ecology
As a carnivorous plant, *D. burmannii* captures insects using its sticky leaves. It is noted for its rapid trapping mechanism, which allows it to surround prey in just a few seconds. In traditional medicine, it has been considered a powerful rubefacient in Ayurveda.
Cultivation notes
The plant is naturally an annual, but it can survive for many years when grown indoors during cold months. While it produces large amounts of seed, specific cultivation requirements are not detailed, but it is generally noted for its compact growth habit.
History & etymology
The species was first described by Paul Hermann and later detailed by Johannes Burman in 1737. It was formally named *Drosera burmannii* in 1794 by Martin Vahl. Later species, such as *D. dietrichiana*, were eventually reduced to synonyms of *D. burmannii*.
Conservation
No specific IUCN status or detailed conservation threats are provided in the text.
Habitat
- Altitude
- 0–600 m
- Altitude Class
- lowland
- Native To
- Australia, India, China, Indonesia
Cultivation
- Difficulty
- easy
- Temperature
- Day 24–32°C / Night 18–24°C
- Humidity
- 55–80%
- Notes
- Fast-trapping annual. Sheds seed prolifically.
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