Drosera aliciae

Drosera aliciae is a carnivorous plant from the genus Drosera within the family of the Droseraceae. This species is native to the South African regions and thrives there, especially in moist, acidic soils. Drosera aliciae is one of the so-called rosettes Drosera species because their leaves are arranged in a down-to-earth rosette. It is a popular way in the culture of carnivorous plants and is often cultivated in terrariums and collections due to their simple care.

Morphology

The characteristic leaves of Drosera aliciae are elongated and spatula -shaped, and they tend to be slightly arched. They are between 2 and 4 centimeters long and with numerous glandular hair that acts as tentacles. These tentacles are the most important fishing tool for the plant. Small glands sit on their tips, which separate a sticky substance, the so -called "drop of suntings". These drops glitter in sunlight, which attracts insects that confuse the drops with nectar. As soon as an insect lands on the leaves, it sticks to the sticky drops, and the tentacles slowly begin to curve the insect to better fix it. With this mechanism, Drosera aliciae can effectively catch her prey, which mainly consists of small insects such as flies and ants.

After the insect is trapped, the glands begin to release digestive enzymes that dissolve the insect. The plant absorbs the nutrients, in particular nitrogen and other minerals, through the leaf surface. This process can take several days according to which the insect is digested except for its chitin armor. The plant is therefore able to colonize nutrient -poor soils because it gains the missing nutrients from its animal prey.

Habitat and distribution

Drosera aliciae originally comes from the South African coastal areas, especially from the capregion. There it grows into damp, sour soils, which are often low in nutrients. Typical locations for this plant are moist, sandy or peaty soils in open, sunny habitats. It often occurs in moor landscapes or on the edges of watercourses, where the ground stays moist all year round.

The climatic conditions in the capregion are characterized by relatively mild temperatures and high rainfall, which has adapted Drosera aliciae well in moist conditions. It is not a frosthart, but can tolerate short dry periods as long as the soil does not dry out completely.

Cultivation and care

Due to its adaptability to different conditions, Drosera aliciae is one of the most frequently cultivated carnivorous plants. It is relatively easy to care for and is therefore particularly suitable for beginners in keeping carnivors. It thrives best in a substrate from a peat-sand mixture that is slightly acidic. It is important that the substrate always remains moist, since Drosera aliciae does not tolerate dryness.

The plant should be kept at a location with a lot of direct sunlight, since it only forms its characteristic red color pigments in the tentacles under sufficient lighting. If there is too little light, the leaves lose their color and growth is inhibited. It is advisable to use distilled water or rainwater, since the plant reacts very sensitively to tap water containing minerals.

Drosera aliciae does not need additional fertilization because it pulls the nutrients from the captured insects. Small flies or fruit flies can occasionally be fed in a closed environment, such as a terrarium. In the wild or outdoors, the plant supplies itself with prey. The propagation takes place easily by seed or division of the rosettes.

Meaning and use

Drosera aliciae is scientifically interested because it serves as a model plant for the examination of carnivorous plants and its adaptation mechanisms. Their simple care needs and their ability to catch insects efficiently make them a valuable study object in botany. In addition, it is often cultivated as an ornamental plant in special nurseries and by lovers of carnivting plants.

In its South African homeland, the plant also has an ecological meaning. By catching insects, she partially regulates the insect population in her habitat, which in turn supports the balance in the local ecosystem.