Sundew
Drosera rotundifolia
Family: Droseraceae
Insectivorous perennial. Native to temperate Europe, Asia and
North America. Probably the most useful of all insectivores plants,
the Sundew provides an irreplaceable immune enhancing and antitussive medicine.
Each tiny, spoon-shaped leaf is crowned by anemone-like tentacles bearing
oozing glands that secrete glistening mucilage. Drosos is Greek for
“Dew.” Cultivation: A thick bed of peat moss (such as a backyard
bog filled 3 feet deep with peat) is the best growing medium, although
Sundew can be greenhoused. The moss must be kept evenly moist with
soft water (such as pond or rain water). Strew the seed on the surface
of the peat. Germination is in 5 weeks and ongoing. Plant prefers
partial sun and protection from drying winds. The dormant bud (hybernaculum)
is formed as the weather cools, at which point it should be covered by
a deep layer of sphagnum moss. So protected, it will withstand temperatures
to zero degrees F. Flowers white, on a 2 to 6 inch stem.
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