Drosera regia

Drosera regia: The King of Sundews

Imagine a plant so unique and captivating that it’s often referred to as the king sundew. Drosera regia, or the king sundew, is not just any ordinary plant; it’s a carnivorous marvel with characteristics that set it apart from its peers.

A Unique Carnivore

With leaves that can stretch up to 70 cm in length, Drosera regia is a sight to behold. These tentacle-covered leaves are like nature’s own active flypaper traps, capturing prey such as beetles and moths with their sticky secretions. Can you imagine how these plants must feel when they catch their dinner? It’s almost like they’re playing a game of cat and mouse, but in the plant world!

Endemic to South Africa

This carnivorous king is native to the fynbos habitat in South Africa’s Western Cape. The Bainskloof Range near Wellington is its home, where it thrives at elevations between 500 and 900 meters. But here’s a twist: this plant isn’t just any ordinary dweller of the fynbos; it has unique characteristics that make it stand out among other Drosera species.

Woody Rhizomes and More

The Drosera regia produces horizontal woody rhizomes, a feature shared only with another species, D. arcturi. This plant also has operculate pollen, lacks circinate vernation in its scape growth, and can capture large prey such as beetles and butterflies. These features make it a true king among sundews.

Endangered Status

Despite its striking appearance, Drosera regia is critically endangered with only 50 mature plants remaining in its lower elevation site as of 2006. This plant is often cultivated by enthusiasts who appreciate its unique traits and beauty. However, the wild populations are under threat due to habitat loss.

Ancient Origins

The genus Drosera, or sundews, was described in 1926 by Edith Layard Stephens. The species name Drosera regia was given due to its striking appearance and was discovered by Mr. J. Rennie in 1923. Additional specimens were found directly above the original site and 6.5 km away below Slanghoek Peak in 1926.

Taxonomic Controversies

Over the years, Drosera regia has been placed in various taxonomic groups. In 1970, Anna Amelia Obermeyer suggested it didn’t fit into any established group. Rüdiger Seine and Wilhelm Barthlott proposed a new subgenus for D. regia in 1994, which was affirmed by Jan Schlauer in 1996. Jindřich Chrtek and Zdeňka Slavíková split D. regia into its own genus Freatulina in 1996.

Evolutionary Insights

New analysis has revealed a close relationship between Drosera regia and D. arcturi, suggesting that the snap-trap mechanisms of Dionaea and Aldrovanda evolved from flypaper traps like those found in D. regia. This plant is not just a marvel to behold; it’s also a key player in understanding the evolution of carnivorous plants.

Cultivation Tips

While cultivating Drosera regia can be challenging, with good soil drainage, sufficient light, cooler temperatures, and asexual propagation through root cuttings, it’s definitely worth the effort. In 2004, William Joseph Clemens registered the cultivar D. regia ‘Big Easy,’ which is reputed to be more robust and compact than other clones of the species.

Conclusion

Drosera regia, the king sundew, is a true gem of nature. Its unique characteristics and evolutionary significance make it a fascinating subject for both enthusiasts and scientists alike. As we continue to learn more about this plant, let’s also remember its critical status in the wild and do our part to protect these magnificent creatures.