About
A striking carnivorous plant, *Drosera peruensis*, is notable for its red coloration and distinctive rosette growth habit. It traps prey using glandular hairs and digestive enzymes, making it a beautiful and fascinating addition to any collection.
Field notes
Morphology
The plant grows as a rosette herbaceous plant, spanning 10 to 29 centimeters, with a stem axis reaching 2 to 4 centimeters. The leaves are red, with blades that are inversely-ovate to oblong-round, measuring 4 to 7 centimeters long and 1 millimeter wide. The abaxial (top) side is hairy with glandular hairs, while the adaxial (bottom) side has thread-like, golden-colored trichomes measuring 2 to 2.5 millimeters long. The flower heads are 10 to 18 centimeters long, featuring light red sepals and white or red petals.
Distribution & habitat
The species is found in the Pasco region (Oxapampa, Cordillera Yanachaga) of Peru, growing in scrub land on white sandstone.
Ecology
It traps prey using glandular hairs, which act as a glue to ensnare the victim. After capture, stalked glands produce digestive enzymes, including protease and phosphatase, to break down the prey into a nutrient source.
History & etymology
The species was first identified in Peru in 2002 by Tânia Regina dos Santos Silva and Mireya D. Correa.
Habitat
- Altitude
- —
- Altitude Class
- —
Cultivation
- Difficulty
- intermediate
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