Drosera Petiolaris Complex Sundews

Drosera petiolaris complex – 

Consists of fourteen species in the subgenus of Drosera, scientifically known as, Drosera subg. Lasiocephala. Twelve of these Drosera petiolaris complex are named: Drosera brevicornis, Drosera broomensis, Drosera Caduca, Drosera Darwinensis, Drosera Derbyensis, Drosera Dilatato-petiolaris, Drosera Falconeri,  Drosera Fulva, Drosera Kenneallyi, Drosera Lanata,  Drosera Ordensis, Drosera Petiolaris, Drosera paradoxa.

They grow in many parts of northern Australia, very few can even be found on neighboring islands. Their leaves, commonly known as petioles, grow in a rosette formation that can be compact, erect, semi-erect, or airy. They can vary in length, shape, color, and width. Even with the varying shapes, they are always linear. This particular characteristic gives them a common nickname of “octopus plant”. The petioles can also have hair known as Trichomes. The hair can be very dense, fine (pubescence), or hairless and smooth (glabrous). The hairs either grow non-dendric or dendric and can be white, silver or grey in color. The very dense types are commonly nicknamed “woolly sundews” since the hair is reminiscent of being covered in wool.

At the end of every petiole is a trap called lamina. They can also vary in shape, size, and color. The shapes range from round, oval, or ellipse. The colors can range from green, orange, pale orange, red or pale red. Some can even produce a very deep red (maroon color).