Family: Droseraceae
Author: Endl.
Bibliography: S.L.Endlicher & al., Enum. Pl.: 6 (1837)
Year: 1837
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Drosera
Vegetable: False
Observations: SW. Australia
Description
Drosera macrantha, commonly known as the Bridal Rainbow, is a mesmerizing carnivorous plant native to southwestern Australia. It belongs to the Droseraceae family and was first described by Stephan Ladislaus Endlicher and associates in 1837.
The Bridal Rainbow is renowned for its striking appearance and unique adaptations that allow it to thrive in its native habitat. This species is a climber, often found twining around shrubs and taller plants in its ecosystem. The plant’s slender stems can extend up to a meter in length, adorned with delicate, glistening leaves that capture and reflect sunlight, giving it a radiant, rainbow-like quality—hence its evocative common name.
The leaves of Drosera macrantha are its most fascinating feature. Each leaf is covered in glandular hairs tipped with sticky mucilage. This mucilage serves a critical function: trapping insects. When an unsuspecting insect lands on the leaf, it becomes ensnared by the sticky secretion. The plant then secretes digestive enzymes to break down the insect’s soft tissues, allowing it to absorb the vital nutrients that are often scarce in the nutrient-poor soils of its native environment.
The flowers of the Bridal Rainbow are equally enchanting. They bloom on tall, slender stalks and come in shades of white, pink, or lilac. These blooms typically appear in the wetter months, providing a beautiful contrast to the often arid landscape of southwestern Australia. The flower structure is designed to attract pollinators while ensuring that the plant’s insect-catching leaves do not interfere with the pollination process.
Drosera macrantha’s ability to capture and digest insects is a remarkable adaptation to its nutrient-deficient surroundings, showcasing the incredible diversity and ingenuity of plant survival strategies. This species, like many in the Droseraceae family, plays a crucial role in its ecosystem by helping to control insect populations and contributing to the biodiversity of the region.
Given its specialized habitat and the threats posed by land development and climate change, conservation efforts are important to ensure the continued survival of this captivating plant. The Bridal Rainbow stands as a testament to the beauty and complexity of the natural world, inviting both scientists and plant enthusiasts to marvel at its unique characteristics and ecological significance.
Common Names
En: Bridal Rainbow
Synonyms
- Sondera macrantha ((Endl.) Lehm.)
- Drosera macrantha var. burgesii (Diels)
Distribution
- Western Australia (native)
Additional Images
Flower
Taken Oct 17, 2019 by Gerd Metz (cc-by-sa)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3190793)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:321890-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Drosera macrantha Endl.)