Denis Barthel · CC BY-SA 3.0
About
A perennial herbaceous plant notable for its bright red, sticky leaves and its unique ability to trap insects for nutrients. *Drosera kaieteurensis* is found in the tepuis of Guyana and Venezuela.
Field notes
Morphology
The plant grows in rosettes with diameters of 6–8 mm on short stems. The leaves are circular to oval, mostly red, measuring 2–3 mm long and 2 to 2.5 mm wide. The upper surface is densely covered with red glandular hairs that secrete a sticky mucilage. The inflorescences are 13 to 60 mm long and bear white or pink petals. The elliptical seeds are dispersed when a raindrop impacts the capsule.
Distribution & habitat
Found in the tepuis on the border area of Guyana and Venezuela, at altitudes of 460-2,400m, preferring sandy soils or moss-grown rock. Occurrences may also exist in Trinidad and Tobago.
Ecology
The plant traps insects, which are attracted to the bright red color and glistening mucilage. It uses enzymes to dissolve the trapped insects, extracting ammonia and other nutrients to supplement nitrogen absorbed through the roots.
Habitat
- Altitude
- —
- Altitude Class
- —
Cultivation
- Difficulty
- intermediate
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