Drosera liniflora Species Profile

Drosera liniflora Species Profile

Drosera liniflora is a winter growing stem-forming sundew in the Drosera cistiflora complex. The species grows in mountainous seepages in Western Cape, South Africa.

Drosera liniflora emerges as a basal rosette, followed by a long erect stem around 20-30 cm long. Numerous short leaves are produced at regular intervals on the stem. The stem terminates with an inflorescence of pink or white flowers. The flowers are about 2 cm in diameter.

The species grows in the mountains North East of Cape Town from around Bainskloof Pass up to the Winterhoek Mountain Range. It inhabits gravelly clay or mossy substrates on ledges in steep mountainous terrain. The habitat is wet during winter and dry in summer. Flowering occurs during September and October. The species is winter growing and dies back to the roots during its summer dormancy period.

Drosera liniflora is similar to its relatives in the D. cistiflora complex. It distinguished from most varieties of D. cistiflora by its long stems with short fat leaves (Most other members of the complex have long, thinner stem leaves). It is similar to some mountainous forms of D. cistiflora that grow near Hermanus but is further distinguished by its comparatively small flowers (D. cistiflora has much larger flowers).

Drosera liniflora at Bainskloof Pass
Drosera liniflora at Bainskloof Pass
Drosera liniflora at Bainskloof Pass
Drosera liniflora at Bainskloof Pass
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