Drosera spatulata

Drosera spatulata is a carnivorous plant from the family of the Droseraceae. This species is one of the most common representatives of the Drosera genus and occurs in a variety of habitats in Asia, Australia, New Zealand and on Pacific Islands. Its extensive adaptability has led to widespread use and great variability within the species, which makes it a very adaptable carnivorous plant.

Morphology

Drosera spatulata forms a down -to -earth rosette that usually reaches a diameter of 2 to 6 cm, depending on the environmental conditions and genetic variability. The leaves are spatula -shaped, which gives the plant their scientific names. They are narrow at the base and widen at the end, where they end in a round or spoon -shaped structure. The surface of the leaves is densely occupied with tentacles, at the point of which there are sticky drops that serve as a fishing mechanism. These drops contain a sticky secretion that acts like a glue on insects and prevents it from escaping it.

The tentacles that stand in the middle of the leaf are shorter than those on the edge that bend on the outside. This structure helps the plant to efficiently catch and digest insects. As soon as an insect lands on a sheet and gets stuck in the sticky drops, the tentacles react with slow movements to continue to hold the insect and immobilize it.

Fishing and digestive mechanism

Like many carnivorous plants, Drosera spatulata has developed a specialized mechanism to gain nutrients from prey. The main nutrient that the plant receives in this way is nitrogen that is often in short supply in its natural habitat. As soon as an insect is trapped, the glands begin to produce digestive enzymes that slowly dissolve the insect. This process usually takes a few days. The nutrients that are released by digestion are then absorbed by the plant by the leaf surface. After the digestion has been completed, only the indigestible parts of the insect, such as the Chitin armor, remain behind, which is removed from the rain or wind over time.

Distribution and habitat

Drosera spatulata is at home in many parts of the world, including in East Asia, Southeast Asia, Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands. This plant grows primarily in nutrient -poor soils, such as those occurring in bogs, swamps and sandy, damp areas. It thrives in acidic soils that contain little nutrients and prefers high humidity and a lot of sunlight. The species can be found in both subtropical and moderate climate zones and has adapted to different altitudes.

In New Zealand, for example, Drosera spatulata can be found at both coastal locations and in mountain regions. This adaptability makes it one of the most versatile types of genus.

Flower and reproduction

Drosera spatulata usually blooms in summer, but in culture the plant can bloom all year round when the conditions are correct. The flowers are small, mostly white or pink, and sit on a long, upright flower handle that protrudes far beyond the catch leaves. This prevents potential pollinators from being caught by the fishing leaves. The flowers usually open one after the other, whereby each flower remains open for only a day.

The plant is self -pollinating so that it does not need any insects for reproduction. After the pollination, tiny black seeds that are spread through the wind develop. These seeds are in pretending, which means that they germinate on the surface of the floor and do not need a cover.

In addition to the generative increase in seeds, Drosera spatulata can also grow vegetatively by separating daughter rosettes that form from the main rosette. This is a common method of increasing in culture if the plants grow under optimal conditions.

Cultivation

Due to its adaptability and simple care, Drosera spatulata is a popular plant in the culture of carnivorous plants. It is suitable for both beginners and experienced collectors. For successful cultivation, it needs a substrate of peat and sand or pearlit, which should always be kept moist. Like most carnivorous plants, Drosera spatulata distilled water or rainwater, since tap water can contain too many minerals that could damage the plant.

A bright location is crucial for the healthy growth of the plant. With inadequate lighting, the plant can become weaker and catch insects less effectively. Direct sunlight often ensures an intensive red color of the tentacles, which makes the appearance of the plant even more attractive.

Ecological meaning

As a carnivorous plant, Drosera helps to regulate the insect populations in the nutrient -farms in which it grows. At the same time, it enables their ability to digest insects to survive in extremely nutrient -poor soils where other plants can hardly thrive. The species thus plays an important role in the ecosystems in which it occurs.