Sundews are perennial (or rarely annual) herbaceous plants, forming prostrate or upright rosettes between 1 cm (0.4 in) and 1 m (39 in) in height, depending on the species. Climbing species form scrambling stems which can reach much longer lengths, up to 3 m (10 ft) in the case of D. erythrogyne. Sundews have been shown to be able to achieve a lifespan of 50 years. The genus is so specialized for nutrient uptake through its carnivorous behavior, the pygmy sundew is missing the enzymes (nitrate reductase, in particular) that plants normally use for the uptake of earth-bound nitrates.
All species of sundew are able to move their tentacles in response to contact with digestible prey. The tentacles are extremely sensitive and will bend toward the center of the leaf to bring the insect into contact with as many stalked glands as possible. According to Charles Darwin, the contact of the legs of a small gnat with a single tentacle is enough to induce this response. This response to touch is known as thigmonasty, and is quite rapid in some species. The outer tentacles (recently coined as "snap-tentacles") of D. burmannii and D. sessilifolia can bend inwards toward prey in a matter of seconds after contact, while D. glanduligera is known to bend these tentacles in toward prey in tenths of a second. In addition to tentacle movement, some species are able to bend their laminae to various degrees to maximize contact with the prey. Of these, D. capensis exhibits what is probably the most dramatic movement, curling its leaf completely around prey in 30 minutes. Taken from Wikipedia.
My plant is a very small one. This shot is taken from the end of the leaf looking down showing the sticky globules out to the side.
Gorgeous shot... the colors and shapes combine to create an image that almost looks like it is under the sea. These are amazing plants... thanks for the extra information in your posting comment about them. Fascinating and a fav.
Love this shot! When the teenager was just a little tyke, he was fascinated with carnivorous plants, knew all their names, how they digested their food! It was entirely too precious! Thanks for reminding me of fond memories and bringing a smile to my face.
