Drosera collina Species Profile

Drosera collina Species Profile

Drosera collina is a large rosetted tuberous species endemic to Western Australia. The species is named after it’s hilly habitat (collina = hill in latin).

Drosera collina has flat rosettes that reach around 8cm in diameter. The leaves are usually oval shape, but sometimes they can be rounder. There are usually 8-12 leaves in a mature rosette. The plants range from green to orange, depending on factors such as light exposure and time of the year. The flowers are produced on a short, branching inflorescence with clusters of white blooms. Flowering occurs in autumn as the plants break summer dormancy.

The species is mainly distributed throughout the Darling Scarp east of Perth, extending south through the hills towards Bridgetown. There are a few satellite populations in mountainous locations such as the Stirling Range. It is usually found in well-drained hilly environments, typically in open Jarrah (Eucalyptus marginata) forest.

Drosera collina can be distinguished from other members of the Drosera erythrorhiza complex, its numerous leaves, which are elongated in shape (D. magna and D. erythrorhiza have fewer, rounder leaves). It is very similar to the hills form of D. squamosa, only lacking its bright red margin. The morphological similarities between those two species have caused some to question whether they are really distinct taxa or just pattern variations, however, genomic studies have not yet been published.

A green specimen of Drosera collina near Bridgetown. Note its numerous oval shaped leaves.
A colourful specimen in the Perth Hills.
Drosera collina usually occurs in small groups and does not form dense clonal colonies.
Close Menu