Drosera peltata
About
A notable perennial tuberous sundew, *Drosera peltata* is known for its large distribution across Australia, New Zealand, and Southeast Asia. It is an upright species that aestivates as a dormant underground tuber, making it relatively easy to cultivate compared to many other tuberous sundews.
Field notes
Morphology
The plant has an underground tuber (4–6 cm deep) and aerial parts ranging from 5–50 cm in height. It typically features a rosette of leaves at the soil surface, which can be pronounced (as in D. foliosa) or reduced to scales. The aerial stem is simple or slightly branched. Flowers are generally white or light pink, while the foliage color varies greatly: D. foliosa is bright grass green, D. peltata subsp. auriculata is often tinged with red, and D. gracilis is always orange or dark red.
Distribution & habitat
Found in southern, eastern, and south-west Australia, Tasmania, New Zealand (Northland), and south-east Asia and India. It prefers frost-free open flats with light scrub, regenerating forest, grassy verges, and roadside cuttings.
Cultivation notes
The species is easy to cultivate, requiring wet, cool winters for its active growing season, and warmer, nearly bone-dry summers for dormancy. It can withstand wetter summers than many other tuberous sundews.
History & etymology
Drosera peltata was first described by Carl Peter Thunberg in 1797. The specific epithet is Latin for "shield shaped," referencing the shape of the cauline leaves. The species has accumulated many synonyms, including D. auriculata, which was originally named by James Backhouse and formally described by Jules Émile Planchon in 1848.
Habitat
- Altitude
- Not recorded
- Altitude class
- —
- Native to
- Philippines, India, Australia
Cultivation
- Difficulty
- intermediate