Spoon-leaved Sundew (carnivorous plant)

Description:

A cluster of Spoon-leaved Sundews, and they are carnivorous plants. It's a variable, rosette-forming species with spoon-shaped leaves. The upper surface of the leaves have glands that secrete a sticky substance. There are two types of glands - stalked glands that capture the insects, and sessile glands that secretes enzymes and absorbed the nutrients from the trapped insects. This species also has small red buds which produce white flowers. As with my two other encounter with this species at different locations, sandy soil, fresh water, and good sunlight are the common denominators. Some of the specimens in this spotting were also fully-submerged in water.

Habitat:

Spotted growing in a rock pool, in thin sandy granite soils and accumulated leaf litter amongst rocks (at current water level) on Bald Rock Creek, along the Junction Track in Girraween National Park. Freshwater creek. Sunny aspect, although subjected to extreme conditions - freezing cold (sometimes snow) in winter, and intense heat in summer. Area also subjected to torrential flooding during heavy rains. Surrounding bushland open eucalypt forest.