Range: Western and Southwestern Tasmania

 

A newly described species once thought to be a large variant of D. arcturi, this Tasmanian endemic is found from sea level in the southwest corner of the island to high alpine regions, where it grows in wet heathland and along lake shores (often among “cushion plants” that form a basal vegetative layer). When breaking dormancy, this species produces up to 5 large, 5 cm long lanceolate noncarnivorous leaves, one of its distinguishing features. Following this is the production of usually only 1-2 larger, 8-12 cm, wide linear-oblong leaves with folded petioles sheathing the growth point and round-tipped lamina covered in huge glands. Color ranges from green with an orange blush to deep red throughout. In late spring during production of the non-carnivorous leaves, plants will send up large, 20 cm glabrous stalks bearing up to 4 flowers, each bloom 3 cm across with large, rounded petals and a notable lumpy stigma in the center that may be green, white, or most commonly bright pinkish red. This species is far more common at low elevations than its relative, but in alpine locations it can be found intermixed, though can be identified easily by its early season glabrous leaves, larger size, and tall inflorescences with multiple flowers.

 

Cultivation: grow in a soil mix of 2:1 sphagnum/perlite or pure long-fiber sphagnum, kept very moist to wet and humid, with temps never exceeding 35-65°F in summer (can likely tolerate higher summer swings but may do best with cool conditions). In winter, place dormant buds in a cold to freezing location for up to 7 months or more. Sow seeds on soil surface, providing a minimum 12 week stratification, and grow in strong artificial light to full sun.

 

Lifespan and reproduction: long-lived perennial. Reproduces through seeds, rare division, and may be grown through leaf pullings or cuttings.

 

Sources: http://www.northqueenslandplants.com/images/img23.jpg

https://cpn.carnivorousplants.org/articles/CPNv48n3p128_129.pdf

Lowrie, A. and Conran, J. G. (2014). Drosera murfetii (Droseraceae): a new species from Tasmania, Australia. Journal of the Adelaide Botanic Gardens 27: 7-21.