Michal Rubeš · CC BY 3.0 cz
About
A variable, rosette-forming sundew, *Drosera spatulata* is notable for its spoon-shaped leaves and its extreme hardiness, which makes it a prolific spreader in collections. It is easily grown using methods similar to *Drosera capensis*.
Field notes
Morphology
The plant forms small rosettes of numerous spathulate leaves, generally about 4 cm in diameter. Each leaf is attached by a narrow 8 mm petiole, and the individual laminae are typically 5 mm long and 4 mm wide. In early summer, it produces erect scapes up to 8 cm tall, bearing small white or pink flowers on one-sided racemose inflorescences, with each flower up to 6 mm across.
Distribution & habitat
It has a large range, occurring naturally throughout Southeast Asia, southern China, Japan, Micronesia, Papua New Guinea, eastern Australia, Tasmania, and New Zealand.
Cultivation notes
It is easily grown using the same methods as *Drosera capensis*.
History & etymology
The species was first described by Jacques Labillardière in 1804 from a specimen found in Tasmania. It was later included in a 1824 publication by Augustin Pyramus de Candolle, though misprinted as *Drosera spathulata*.
Habitat
- Altitude
- 0–1,200 m
- Altitude Class
- intermediate
- Native To
- Australia, Japan, New Zealand, China
Cultivation
- Difficulty
- easy
- Temperature
- Day 20–28°C / Night 12–20°C
- Humidity
- 50–80%
- Notes
- Variable species complex. Excellent beginner plant.
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