ABOUT THE PLANT
Drosera aliciae, commonly known as Alice sundew or Alicia’s sundew, is a carnivorous plant belonging to the Droseraceae family. It is native to the southwestern region of Australia. Here are some key characteristics of Drosera aliciae:
-
Rosette Form: Drosera aliciae typically forms a low-growing rosette of leaves. The leaves are arranged in a circular pattern close to the ground, and each leaf is covered in glandular tentacles.
-
Tentacle Arrangement: The leaves of Drosera aliciae are covered in numerous, reddish tentacles. These tentacles secrete a sticky mucilage that serves to capture and immobilize insects. The tentacles are positioned all over the leaf surface.
-
Sticky Traps: The glandular tentacles on the leaves act as sticky traps to catch insects. Insects are attracted to the plant by the shiny, sticky mucilage, which they mistake for a source of food. Once an insect lands on the leaf, it becomes stuck, and the tentacles curl around it, ensnaring the prey.
-
Digestive Enzymes: Drosera aliciae, like other sundew species, produces digestive enzymes that break down the captured insects. This enables the plant to absorb essential nutrients, such as nitrogen and phosphorus, from the insect prey.