DROSERACEAE - Sundew Family
Leaves alternate in a rosette, simple, blade modified as an
active trap (Dionaea
-Venus Flytrap) or with irritable, mucilage-tipped tentacle
hairs (Drosera
- Sundews). These plants produce proteolytic enzymes which aid in
the digestion of insects and provide a source of nitrogen. Nitrogen
and other nutrients are not readily available in the acid bogs where
these plants are typically found.
Flowers in cymes, perfect,
regular, hypogunous, calyx, corolla, and stamens
withering-persistent.
Fruits a loculicidal capsule
Seeds 3 to many
4 genera, 100 species, Drosera is only genus with more than 1
species
Economic use: Sundews and Venus Flytraps are popular
ornamentals.
Medicinal uses - Produces quinones that are used for bronchitis,
proteolytic enzymes used to treat warts.
IMAGE GALLERY
FLOWERING
PLANT GATEWAY