About
This endemic Australian species, *Drosera fulva*, is notable for its compact basal rosette of semi-erect to prostrate leaves and its long racemes of white or pink flowers.
Field notes
Morphology
The plant features semi-erect or prostrate leaves arranged in a compact basal rosette. The petiole is typically 2–3 mm wide at its widest, and the small, round, red carnivorous leaves at the end of the petioles measure 2–3 mm in diameter. The inflorescences are long, measuring 25–45 cm, and bear white or sometimes pink flowers on racemes containing 50 or more flowers.
Distribution & habitat
Native to the Northern Territory in Australia, specifically in an area around Darwin from Koolpinyah to Noonamah, with a single collection noted from Port Essington.
Ecology
It thrives in damp sandy soils found in ephemeral wet depressions above seasonal flood levels or in seepage areas.
History & etymology
The type specimens were collected between 1838 and 1840 by John W. Armstrong. The species was formally described by Jules Émile Planchon in 1848, and previously was treated as a synonym of D. petiolaris until recognized as distinct by Allen Lowrie.
Conservation
Allen Lowrie assessed the species' conservation status in 1996 as common and not under threat.
Habitat
- Altitude
- 0–400 m
- Altitude class
- lowland
- Native to
- Australia
Cultivation
- Difficulty
- intermediate
- Temperature
- Day 28–34°C / Night 22–28°C
- Humidity
- 60–90%
- Notes
- Kimberley tropical sundew. Petiolaris complex with woolly leaves and orange tentacles.