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Drosera capensis

Family: Droseraceae, Genus: Drosera

Description:

Drosera capensis, commonly known as the Cape sundew, is a carnivorous plant native to the Cape region of South Africa. It features long, strap-like leaves adorned with red tentacles that glisten in sunlight, which are used to trap and digest small insects. This perennial plant forms a rosette up to 10 inches in diameter and produces pale-violet flowers in early summer. It thrives in nutrient-poor, waterlogged soils and requires full sun exposure. The Cape sundew does not undergo dormancy and can grow year-round in warm, bright conditions. It is known for its ease of cultivation, making it a popular choice for terrariums. Despite its beauty, it is considered invasive in some regions, including New Zealand and parts of the Americas. The plant's digestive process involves bending its tentacles towards trapped prey, secreting enzymes to break down the insects. It is cold hardy down to 40°F and can regrow from roots after a brief freeze.

Sources:
  1. [1] Drosera capensis 'wide leaf' Potted: California Carnivores. Visit Source
  2. [2] Drosera capensis typical: My Green Obsession. Visit Source
  3. [3] Seed Pack Drosera capensis (30 seeds/pack): California Carnivores. Visit Source
  4. [4] Drosera capensis, Cape Sundew: Carnivero. Visit Source
  5. [5] Drosera capensis: Carnivorous Plant Nursery. Visit Source
  6. [6] Drosera capensis “Diflora Giant” Potted: California Carnivores. Visit Source
  7. [7] Drosera capensis “Ceres, South Africa” Potted: California Carnivores. Visit Source
  8. [8] Drosera capensis - White Form: Carnivorous Plant Nursery. Visit Source
  9. [9] Drosera capensis - Pink Form: Carnivorous Plant Nursery. Visit Source
  10. [10] Drosera capensis: Wikipedia. Visit Source
  11. [11] Cape Sundew Seeds: Carnivorous Plant Nursery. Visit Source
  12. [12] Drosera capensis 'wide leaf' Potted: California Carnivores. Visit Source
  13. [13] Drosera capensis typical: My Green Obsession. Visit Source
  14. [14] Seed Pack Drosera capensis (30 seeds/pack): California Carnivores. Visit Source
  15. [15] Drosera capensis, Cape Sundew: Carnivero. Visit Source
  16. [16] Drosera capensis: Carnivorous Plant Nursery. Visit Source
  17. [17] Drosera capensis “Diflora Giant” Potted: California Carnivores. Visit Source
  18. [18] Drosera capensis “Ceres, South Africa” Potted: California Carnivores. Visit Source
  19. [19] Drosera capensis - White Form: Carnivorous Plant Nursery. Visit Source
  20. [20] Drosera capensis - Pink Form: Carnivorous Plant Nursery. Visit Source
  21. [21] Cape Sundew Seeds: Carnivorous Plant Nursery. Visit Source

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Last Updated July 1, 2025

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