Drosera commonly known as the sundews comprises one of the largest genera of carnivorous plants. The genus includes annuals and perennials, large and small plants, and denizens of tropical, temperate, and polar habitats. They should not be confused with the ever popular Venus Fly Trap, Dionaea muscipula. These plants lure, capture, and digest insects using stalked mucilaginous glands covering their leaf surfaces. The insects are used to supplement the poor mineral nutrition of the soil in which they grow. Both the botanical name and the English common name refer to the glistening drops of mucilage at the tip of each tentacle that resemble drops of morning dew. Drosera has also been recorded for its medicinal use against warts, corns and sunburn. Ethnobotanically a tea made from the plant was also used as a tranquilizer and aphrodisiac. Whether indigenous or exotic, Sundews deserve a little corner in all carnivorous plant collections. They make fascinating indoor houseplants. These curiosity plants grow best in pots filled with a mix of our general Carnivorous Growing Medium.

Drosera cistiflora commonly known as the Rose-flowered Sundew is a tuberous South African indigenous species found in the Northern Cape, Eastern Cape and Western Cape Provinces. It is commonly found in damp boggy areas and is an easy winter grower. Its flowers are the largest in the genus, measuring up to 10cm. From August to September it bears beautiful flowers pink, white, purple, cream, yellowish, red or orange. The flowers of this species have a characteristic dark green centre. On offer here is the pink flowering form of Drosera cistiflora. A fun and educational plant!