Small Sundew

Jan Wouters points out a very important phenomenon. The sundew is again present in Torfbroek.

The small sundew (Drosera intermedia) is a perennial, carnivorous plant from the sundew family (Droseraceae). The species is on the Dutch Red List of plants as common but greatly decreasing. The plant is also protected by law in the Netherlands. The plant is native to the Northern Hemisphere in Europe and eastern North America.

The plant grows to a height of 2-10 cm and forms a rosette of leaves. The long-stemmed leaves are erect and obovate. On the leaves are numerous, sticky, glandular tissue-containing, hair-thin tentacles. This allows the plant to catch small insects, such as species from the family Simuliidae. The leaf rolls around the insect and secretes digestive enzymes. The nutrients released during this process (including nitrogen) are absorbed by the plant.

The plant sprouts in spring and blooms in July and August with three to eight white flowers. The inflorescence is a bolt. The plant is both a self-pollinator and a cross-pollinator. The capsule is grooved and contains many small seeds. In early autumn, the plant goes into hibernation.

The small sundew is found on nitrogen-poor, wet, acidic heaths and peat soil. Source: Wikipedia

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