3-34 Droseraceae, sundew family

Marian C. Munro; Ruth E. Newell; Nicholas M. Hill

Authors

Marian C. Munro Nova Scotia Museum, Halifax, NS
Ruth E. Newell E. C. Smith Herbarium, Acadia University, Wolfville, Nova Scotia
Nicholas M. Hill Fernhill Institute, Kentville, Nova Scotia; Acadia University, Wolfville, Nova Scotia and Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia

Keywords:

Magnoliophyte, dicots, Drosera, sundew, carnivorous plants

Abstract

Like the pitcher-plants the 400 species comprising this family are carnivorous. The trapping mechanism is active, rather than the passive cups of Sarracenia. Reddish leaves are ornamented with glandular bristles topped by a drop of glistening glue. Unsuspecting invertebrates become ensnared by the shiny drops. Leaf blades curl about the prey, releasing enzymes that break down the food.
Plants produce gemmae, that detach and move away with spring freshets. Flowers are small and carried in a circinate inflorescence, opening sequentially. Fruit is a capsule. Image use donated by Marian Munro, Sean Blaney, Mark Elderkin and Martin Thomas.

Author Biographies

Marian C. Munro, Nova Scotia Museum, Halifax, NS

Curator of Botany (NSPM)

Ruth E. Newell, E. C. Smith Herbarium, Acadia University, Wolfville, Nova Scotia

Curator of the E. C. Smith Herbarium (ACAD)

Nicholas M. Hill, Fernhill Institute, Kentville, Nova Scotia; Acadia University, Wolfville, Nova Scotia and Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia

Director; Adjunct Professor