Pink Sundew (Drosera capillaris)
Sundew Family (Droseraceae)
Pink sundew is a carnivorous prostrate herb, arising from a basal rosette, reaching up to 2.75 inches in diameter. The basal leaves are spoon-shaped and lime green to red (redder in strong sun). They are dotted with red to green slender tentacles that have clear sweet mucilaginous substances exuding from them which trap insects to be digested for nitrogen. Enzymes are secreted to digest the prey in place. Nutrients are then absorbed through the leaf surface. These tentacles can move in response to contact with digestible prey. The pink flowers bloom in the morning, one at a time, at the top of a relatively long slender stalk. Flowers in the spring mostly. Found in the SE US and lower mid Atlantic states. It occurs mainly in nutrient-poor acidic bogs, wet pine flatwoods, and ditches. Found usually in full sun, frequently with sphagnum moss. Listed as endangered in Maryland and threatened in Tennessee.
Copyright Brett Miley
