Family: Droseraceae — sundew family

Species in the Droseraceae are typically perennial herbs. The leaves are confined to the base of the plant. The leaf is stalked, and the leaf blade is covered in hairs that secrete drops of mucilage at their tips. Insects attracted by the scent of the mucilage become stuck, and are ultimately are digested for food. The flowers are arranged in an unbranched array called a raceme. The flowers are actinomorphic (radially symmetrical), have both pollen-bearing and ovule-bearing parts, and usually have 5 sepals that are united at their base, 5 distinct petals, and 5 stamens. These flower parts attach below the ovary (i.e., the ovary is superior). There are usually three styles that are each forked near the tip. The fruit is a capsule that releases its seeds when ripe.

This family’s genera in New England

• Drosera

Visit this family in the Dichotomous Key

Help