Drosera modesta is a scrambling tuberous species that grows in karri and jarrah forest mostly towards the south of WA. The species is named after its its delicate form (modestus = modest).
Drosera modesta is recognisable by its wispy and delicate stature, as referenced in its specific epithet. The stem, which is covered with a sparse layer of glandular indumenta in the upper portions, is fairly flimsy and it requires surrounding bushes to prop itself up. The leaves are distinctly crescentic with a small lamina and particularly long upper arms. The plants are light green in colour. The species flowers only when fully mature and at any given site there are usually more juvenile plants, as a result of prolific asexual tuber production. The flowers are white and the sepals are covered with glandular hairs.
Drosera modesta often grows in association with shaded streams and rivulets. Such habitats include the moist forest floors in the deep karri understory of the south west, in mossy depressions on massive granite outcrops, on shaded cuts aside tracks and on the banks of small creeks. It grows throughout the Great Southern and South West regions. It is also present in the Darling Scarp closer to Perth, although there doesn’t seem to be a catalogued botanical record there.
