About
This perennial, tuberous sundew, *Drosera zonaria*, is notable for its rare, sweetly perfumed white flowers and its unique life cycle, which requires a bush fire to bloom. It is endemic to the coastal heathlands of south-west Western Australia.
Field notes
Morphology
It forms a tight rosette, typically 5 to 7 cm in diameter, with 20 to 30 green to red leaves arranged in concentric layers. The leaves are about 1 cm wide and are described as kidney-shaped with crimson margins. The species has white, sweetly perfumed flowers that emerge on scapes 4 to 5 cm tall.
Distribution & habitat
Endemic to south-west Western Australia, ranging from near Perth southeast to near Esperance. It grows in deep silica sands in open woodland or coastal heathland.
Ecology
The plant is carnivorous, growing in deep silica sands. It is speculated that flowering is triggered by the release of ethylene following a bush fire.
History & etymology
The species was formally described in 1848 by Jules Émile Planchon. It was first collected near the Swan River Colony by James Drummond, and was finally rediscovered and seen flowering in 1954.
Habitat
- Altitude
- —
- Altitude Class
- —
- Native To
- Australia
Cultivation
- Difficulty
- intermediate
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