Range: eastern central and southern Madagascar

 

A newly described species endemic to Madagascar, the “spider sundew” is a unique plant with some similarities but no relationship to South American sundews (likely due to convergent evolution on a similar niche). Recorded as yet from only two locations in the eastern central and southern mountains, this plant grows in wet rocky or clay-based soils often in partially shaded or fully exposed locations around seeps, waterfalls, and similar water sources from 600-1500 meters in elevation. Plants develop short stems up to 6 cm tall with age, topped by a rosette of semi-erect to splayed leaves up to 9 cm across. Leaves are linear-lanceolate in structure, with a short mildly pilose and parallel-sided petiole up to a third the length and roughly linear lamina that taper slightly to a rounded tip in the apical half. Coloration is typically bright green with pinkish to red tentacles, but plants in full sun or with aged leaves may develop red blushing. Flower stalks may reach up to 30 cm in height, bearing up to 8 buds. Flowers are up to 2 cm in diameter, with broadly obovate pale pink petals that may have serrated tips. This species can be distinguished from its close relative D. humbertii by its much shorter stem and leafier rosette, and hairier petioles.

 

Cultivation: Unknown as yet in cultivation. Likely to appreciate mossy or sand/neutral rock based soils, kept very moist to wet with good airflow, and moderately to very humid with temperatures of 65-90°F during the day, slightly cooler at night or during winter seasons. Sow seeds on soil surface, and grow in strong artificial light to partial or full sun.

 

Lifespan and reproduction: perennial. Reproduces through seeds and possibly root budding,, likely to be propagable via cuttings.

 

Sources: https://i0.wp.com/discoverandshare.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IMG_1546_by-Rakotoarivelo-rotated.jpg?fit=900%2C1200&ssl=1 Nivo Rakotoarivelo

Fleischmann, A. et al. (2020). A new and endemic species of Drosera (Droseraceae) from Madagascar. Plant Ecology and Evolution 153(2): 283-291