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Description
Drosera Cuneifolia, commonly known as the Wedge-leaf Sundew, is a carnivorous plant species that belongs to the sundew family Droseraceae. It is native to the south-western regions of Western Australia, where it thrives in wetlands, swamps, and bogs. This unique plant features a rosette of wedge-shaped leaves that sprout from the root crown. The leaves are covered in glandular hairs that secrete a sticky substance that traps insects, which are then digested to supplement the plant’s nutrient requirements.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Caryophyllales |
| Family | Droseraceae |
| Genus | Drosera |
Appearance
The Wedge-leaf Sundew has a unique appearance that makes it stand out from other plants. It grows up to 10cm in diameter with leaves that are 1-2cm long and 0.5-1cm wide. The leaves are wedge-shaped, with a rounded tip and a tapered base that attaches to the root crown. The leaves are covered in glandular hairs that secrete a sticky substance, giving them a dewy appearance. The plant produces a long flower stalk that can reach up to 30cm tall, with flowers that are pink or white in color.
Care Guide
The Wedge-leaf Sundew is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to care for. Here are some tips to help you care for your plant:Water: The plant requires moist soil at all times. It is recommended to water the plant with rainwater or distilled water to prevent mineral buildup in the soil.Fertilization: The plant does not require fertilization as it obtains its nutrients from insects. Soil: The plant requires well-draining soil that is acidic and low in nutrients. A mix of peat moss and sand is ideal.Sunlight: The plant requires full sun to partial shade. It is recommended to place the plant in a location that receives at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight per day.Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in zones 8-10.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Wedge-leaf Sundew is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can be susceptible to fungal infections if the soil remains too moist. To prevent fungal infections, ensure that the soil is well-draining and avoid overwatering.
Habitat
The Wedge-leaf Sundew is native to the south-western regions of Western Australia, where it grows in wetlands, swamps, and bogs. It thrives in areas with high humidity and low nutrient soil.
Question and Answer
Q: How often should I water my Wedge-leaf Sundew?A: The plant requires moist soil at all times. It is recommended to water the plant with rainwater or distilled water to prevent mineral buildup in the soil. Q: Does the Wedge-leaf Sundew require fertilization?A: The plant does not require fertilization as it obtains its nutrients from insects. Q: What is the ideal soil mix for the Wedge-leaf Sundew?A: The plant requires well-draining soil that is acidic and low in nutrients. A mix of peat moss and sand is ideal. Q: Can the Wedge-leaf Sundew tolerate full sun?A: Yes, the plant requires full sun to partial shade. It is recommended to place the plant in a location that receives at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants in the Drosera genus:
- Drosera Binata
- Drosera Capensis
- Drosera Filiformis
- Drosera Intermedia
References
- “Drosera cuneifolia.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 22 Oct. 2021, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drosera_cuneifolia.
- “Wedge-leaf Sundew (Drosera cuneifolia).” Plant Care Guide, plantcareguide.com/wedge-leaf-sundew-drosera-cuneifolia/.
