Drosera peltata aka Pale Sundew

Drosera peltata is a small sundew in the Droseraceae family. Kew places its native range in southeastern Australia and New Zealand’s North Island. Kew also classes it as a plant of subtropical climates. Plants For A Future gives a much wider range. That account includes parts of Asia and much of Australia. The sources therefore differ on the limits of its range. The RHS lists it as non-native to Britain and Ireland.

The plant reaches about 1 foot (0.3 metres) in height. Kew describes its form as a tuberous geophyte or subshrub. Plants For A Future calls it an evergreen annual or perennial. That source also reports leaves throughout the year and wide variation in wild plants. Fine hairs cover the upper leaf surfaces and release sticky, sweet fluid. This draws insects onto the leaves, where the fluid traps them. The plant then releases fluid that digests its prey. It takes nutrients from the insects, helping it grow in nitrogen-poor soil. Its flowers contain both male and female organs.

For growing, Plants For A Future favours a sandy, peaty soil. It also lists sandy and loamy soils as suitable. The plant can grow in poor soil and bog conditions. It needs an open site rather than shade. Keep the soil moist or wet while growing it. The source lists a broad soil pH range. This extends from very acid soil to mildly alkaline soil. Bog gardens and planted beds are listed as possible settings. Its small size and insect-catching leaves provide the main garden interest supported here.

Plants For A Future gives USDA zones 8–11. Yet it warns that the plant lacks hardiness in Britain. It recommends greenhouse growing there rather than relying on outdoor survival. For seed growing, sow fresh seed on the surface. Use a freely draining mix with charcoal and chopped sphagnum above it. Keep the mix moist. Germination may take one to two months at 20°C. Grow young plants under glass through their first winter. Move them outside only after the risk of frost has passed.

No food use is recorded by Plants For A Future. It cites one report of slight toxicity. It also records traditional medicinal uses, including pain relief and digestive remedies. Crushed leaves have served as a skin-blistering treatment. These records do not establish safe use as home medicine.