SUNDEWS (DROSERA) - INSECTIVOROUS PLANT IN WAYANAD, KERALA

 

• Drosera sp. commonly known as Sundews, belongs to the family Droseraceae and it is one of the largest genera of insectivorous plants.
• Drosera inhabits wet-shallow, nutrient poor soils, in swamps and marshes.
• The plant bears long tentacles on its leaves. The tentacles on the leaves secrete a sticky fluid that shines in the sun like Dew-drops, therefore Drosera are commonly known as Sundews. Upon touching these, the insect becomes entrapped and succumbed to death. The plant meanwhile secretes digestive enzymes that dissolve the insect and absorb the nutrients.
• Sundews are found throughout South-East Asia. In India they are mainly found in Kerala, Maharastra and Karnataka.
• The plants are about 2-4 cms in diameter, Tiny flowers arise on a leafless scape, 5-20 cm long.
• Flowers are light pink in colour and the flowering is seen from September to December.

Photos :- 
Dr. Sumanth Bedre M.

References :-

http://www.flowersofindia.net/catalog/slides/Burmann%27s%20Sundew.html

http://indiabiodiversity.org/species/show/229294

https://www.pmfias.com/insectivorous-plants-india/