Hybrid between Drosera hookeri and D. auriculata

Hybrid between Drosera hookeri and D. auriculata

A natural hybrid occurs in Melbourne between Drosera hookeri and D. auriculata. The sepals of the hybrid are slightly hairy, in contrast with those of D. hookeri, which are densely hairy; and D. auriculata, which are glabrous.

The sepals of the hybrid are slightly hairy

The flowers are large and pink, similar in size and colour to those of D. auriculata. This is contrasted to the small white blooms of D. hookeri.

The hybrid grows twice as tall as D. hookeri. The stem is self supporting and branches periodically. Branching is a trait associated with D. hookeri, although it is also commonly observed in D. auriculata in Melbourne.

The hybrid is on the left of the size card. The smaller plant on the right is Drosera hookeri.

The foliage is olive green in colouration with red bruising. Although at the time of observation, the basal rosette had rotted it appears that the plants had sparse but robust rosette leaves (characteristic of D. hookeri) and some leafless bracts (characteristic of D. auriculata).

The basal region of the hybrid

I observed two specimens in the same general vicinity, but spaced around 100 m apart from each other.

Another specimen of the hybrid

I have also found a natural hybrid between Drosera gunniana and D. auriculata.

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