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1.Drosera — Overview
Drosera capensis, commonly known as the Cape Sundew, is a captivating perennial carnivorous plant native to the wetlands and boggy areas of the Cape Province and KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa. This fascinating species typically forms a basal rosette, growing to an average height of 15 to 30 centimeters, with slender flower stalks extending up to 60 centimeters.
1. Its distinctive features include
1.1Spoon-shaped leaves up to 20 centimeters long.
1.2Leaves densely covered with numerous reddish glandular hairs, resembling tiny dewdrops.
1.3Tentacles secrete a sticky mucilage that attracts, traps, and digests small insects.
1.4Obtains essential nutrients, particularly nitrogen, from its insect prey, compensating for nutrient-poor, acidic soil.
1.5Produces clusters of small, delicate white to pale pink flowers, typically blooming in summer.
1.6Known for its adaptability and low, creeping growth habit, Drosera capensis is a popular and relatively easy-to-grow carnivorous plant for enthusiasts and gardeners worldwide. Taxonomically, it belongs to the genus Drosera within the family Droseraceae, a diverse group known for its carnivorous adaptations.
Trusted Scientific References
Authoritative external sources for Drosera capensis:
Drosera Garden should be interpreted through verified botanical identity, practical care, and responsible safety language. This recovery note adds the missing context needed for a complete profile: match light to the plant's habit, use well-drained soil, water according to season, and avoid unsupported medicinal or edible claims. For publishing, the plant can be presented as a source-backed garden plant with clear care guidance, common problem diagnosis, and conservative safety wording.
1.1.Drosera — Key Features
- Carnivorous Nature — Traps insects using sticky glandular tentacles on its leaves.
- Respiratory Aid — Renowned in traditional medicine for treating coughs, bronchitis, and asthma.
- Active Compounds — Contains potent naphthoquinones like plumbagin and droserone.
- Demulcent Properties — High mucilage content soothes irritated mucous membranes.
- Endemic to South Africa — Native to the Cape Province and KwaZulu-Natal wetlands.
- Decorative Plant — Highly prized by gardeners for its unique appearance and ease of cultivation.
- Perennial Herb — Grows year-round in suitable tropical or subtropical conditions.
- Adaptable Species — Tolerant of a range of growing conditions compared to other sundews.
- Distinctive Morphology — Features spoon-shaped leaves and tall, slender flower stalks.
1.2.Drosera — Quick Summary
- Drosera capensis, or Cape Sundew, is a carnivorous plant native to South Africa.
- Traditionally valued for its potent respiratory benefits, especially for coughs and spasms.
- Rich in naphthoquinones (plumbagin, droserone), flavonoids, and mucilage.
- Requires specific, nutrient-poor, acidic soil and distilled water for cultivation.
- Available as teas, tinctures, and syrups for internal use.
- Contraindicated in pregnancy, lactation, and for those on certain medications.
2.Drosera — Scientific Identity
3.Drosera — Categories & Tags
4.Drosera — Appearance & Identification
5.Drosera — Water Requirements
- Soil — Use a highly acidic, nutrient-poor substrate, typically a mixture of sphagnum peat moss and perlite or horticultural sand (1:1 ratio).
- Water — Provide consistently moist soil using only distilled water, rainwater, or reverse osmosis water; tap water minerals are detrimental.
- Light — Requires bright, direct sunlight for at least 6 hours daily to maintain vibrant color and robust growth.
- Humidity — Prefers high humidity, which can be maintained by growing in a terrarium or using a humidity tray.
- Temperature — Thrives in moderate temperatures, generally between 18-28°C (65-82°F), but can tolerate cooler conditions.
- Feeding — Do not fertilize; the plant obtains nutrients from insects. Supplement feeding is rarely necessary if grown outdoors or if small insects are occasionally provided.
- Propagation — Easily propagated from seeds, leaf cuttings, or root cuttings, with new plantlets forming readily.
- Dormancy — Drosera capensis is a tropical sundew and generally does not require a dormancy period, growing year-round if conditions are favorable.
Reviewed by the Flora Medical Global Botanical Review Panel
Multi-disciplinary editorial group · Botany · Ethnobotany · Herbal-medicine literature
Who reviewed this: This page was checked by the Flora Medical Global Botanical Review Panel — an in-house editorial group of botany graduates, ethnobotany researchers, and horticulture practitioners who collectively maintain our 7,000+ plant encyclopedia. Meet the team.
Our 4-step verification process
1. Taxonomic verification
Scientific names and synonyms cross-checked against Kew POWO, World Flora Online, and The Plant List.
2. Phytochemical & medicinal cross-reference
Active compounds, traditional uses, and reported activities are cross-referenced with PubMed, USDA Dr. Duke's database, and peer-reviewed ethnobotanical literature.
3. Conservation & distribution check
Distribution, ecology, and conservation status confirmed against GBIF occurrence records and the IUCN Red List.
4. Editorial & safety review
Every entry passes an editorial pass for clarity, originality, and safety notices (toxicity, contraindications, dosage caveats) before publication.
Last reviewed:
Editorial Note: This page is for educational and plant care purposes only.
Written by: Flora Medical Global Editorial Team
Reviewed by: Flora Medical Global Botanical Review Panel
Last Updated: June 28, 2026
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