Range: Cape York Peninsula near Cooktown, Queensland, Australia

 

A recently described and minuscule member of the Petiolaris complex, this species is known only from small, sparse pockets of fine quartz sand in the Cape York region dispersed amongst shrubby heathland habitat. It grows up to 2 cm tall, forming a slender-stemmed tower of old leaves, and only up to 2.5 cm in diameter with relatively prostrate leaves. Petioles are flat and slightly tapered toward the lamina, covered sparsely on the upper surface and densely abaxially with white dendritic hairs. Lamina are simple and rounded and fold downward relative to the petiole. Coloration is typically brilliant red throughout, or red with olive green undertones. Inflorescences may reach 13 cm in height, bearing up to 35 flowers, and is glabrous below the buds but densely hairy around the buds. Flowers may reach 1 cm in diameter, with obovate white petals. Size and range separate this species from most of its relatives, but it can also be distinguished by its slender stem, downward-flexed lamina, and glabrous peduncles. The most distinctive trait of the species however, are the prominent white stipules at the leaf bases that stick upward out of the rosette center, more pronounced than any other species in the group.

 

Cultivation: grow in a pure sand to heavily sand-based peat mixes, kept moist to slightly wet during the growing season and moderately humid with temperatures of 75-95°F year round. Should plants show signs of going dormant, allow soil to dry to barely moist until new growth resumes. Sow seeds on soil surface (may require GA3 treatment for older seeds), and grow in strong artificial light to full sun.

 

Lifespan and reproduction: perennial. Reproduces through seeds, and may be propagated via divisions.

 

Sources: Baleeiro, P. C. et al. (2020). Drosera stipularis, a new species for the D. petiolaris complex from Cape York Peninsula, Queensland. Telopea 23: 35-40.