Drosera stenopetala is a species of sundew endemic to the mountains of New Zealand. The species is named for its (somewhat) narrow petals.
Drosera stenopetala is a small sundew with leaves about 3-6 cm long. The species changes the shape of its leaves throughout the growing season. It emerges from dormancy as a flat rosette of short, stubby leaves with broad petioles, which subsequently gain an raised stature. Long erect leaves with thin petioles and obovate laminae are produced around the time of flowering. A single flower is produced on a slender scape. The petals are somewhat narrow and white with a greenish-yellow tinge at the centre. The leaves reduce in size as the plants approach winter dormancy. The species is dormant during the colder months of the year.
The species grows in subalpine to alpine bogs and seepages in the mountains of New Zealand. It is distributed from the south of the North Island, through the South Island to Stewart Island. In alpine environments, it prefers to grow in cushion grasses at the periphery of tarns and drainage lines. It also inhabits rocky seepages in steep terrain. Plants growing in sheltered, lower sites are generally larger than those on exposed alpine niches. The species is found only in cold localities, and is usually encountered in the mountain ranges but it can extend down to sea level at cold southerly sites. It has a naturally patchy distribution.
Drosera stenopetala is unlikely to be confused for other species in its native environment. It can sometimes resemble D. arcturi, which often grows alongside it. The erect leaves of D. stenopetala are distinguished by their thinner petioles and obovate laminae (The leaves of D. arcturi have a broad petiole that transitions to a strappy lamina).











