Droseraceae

Drosera macranthaDrosera macrantha

Drosera macrantha commonly known as the Climbing Sundew is a scrambling herb with leaves modified to ensnare insects. The margins of the cup-shaped leaves bear glandular hairs which produce a sticky substance. Insects become trapped and are digested by enzymes produced by the leaf. As sundews grow commonly on nutrient-poor soils, insects probably form an important part in supplying the plant's essential nitrogen. This species has white flowers. If insect-pollinated, it would be interesting to observe how the pollinating agent avoids getting caught by the sticky droplets.

Pollen images

Electron microscopy

Drosera whittakeriDrosera whittakeri

Drosera whittakeri is commonly known as the Scented Sundew. This sundew has very large white flowers but the nature of the pollinating agent is not known. If it is a large insect, the sticky droplets on the leaves and stems that normally ensnare insects and help supplement the sundew's mineral diet, may not pose a danger.

Pollen images

Electron microscopy