Home >> Science & Nature >> Nature

Physical Characteristics of the Sundew

The sundew is a member of a highly diverse family of carnivorous plants, known as Drosera, that grow worldwide. Sundews typically grow in low-nutrient wetlands that provide organic matter, acidity and insects, according to Michigan State University. The insects provide the essential nutrients, like phosphorus and nitrogen, that the soil lacks. Sundews are often anchored in sphagnum moss or peat, which provides constant moisture. They prefer sunny locations.

Root System
- The root system of the sundew provides an anchor for maintaining the plant's position. Sundews have a fibrous root system with many small root strands that spread laterally through the soil. Moisture is the main nutrient that the roots ingest from their environment. Sundews require a nearly constant supply of water.
Stalks and Leaves
- The stalks and leaves of the sundew grow in a basal rosette formation, which means that the leaves grow outward in a circular pattern. Some species of the sundew, like the short-leaved sundew, grow prostrate on the ground while others grow upwards to form a hemisphere shape. However, when the sundew is in a location that does not receive full sun, it may grow tall and spindly, abandoning the basal rosette growth.
  
  Depending on the species, sundews may grow 1 to 8 inches in height. The shape of the sundew's leaves can be determined by the type of insects the plant is ingesting and the insect's nutrient content. The leaves are covered in a sticky substance, called dewdrops, which entices and traps insects.
Filaments
- The leaves of the sundew are covered with dozens of filaments, according to North Carolina State University. These filaments are often red-tipped and secrete the digestive enzymes which allow the sundew to access and absorb the nutrients from the trapped insect. During digestion, the filaments curve inwards to cover the insect. The filaments open four to six days after the insect is trapped. Dry sundew leaves indicate that the plant has just finished digesting. For a brief time, the filaments stop producing enzymes to allow the leaf to dry and the insect's exoskeleton to fall from the plant.
Flowers
- Sundews produce flowers from May through August, according to North Carolina Cooperative Extension. The flower stalks grow several inches above the leaves and produce two or three five-petaled flowers. The petals are typically white, pink or scarlet. The flowers remain open during the morning hours. After the flower has been pollinated, it withers and produces small fruit. The fruit must rot before the seed is dispersed by animals, wind or water.

Nature