Range: Southern-central Africa from DRC and Uganda to South Africa, Madagascar

 

This is a widespread but relatively little-known species, found in the band of tropical dry forest and savannah habitat south and east of the African rainforest where it grows in peaty swamps, seeps, and wet grassland at elevations of 900-1400 meters (supposedly with one record from nearly 3000 meters in Kenya, though this is dubious). Plants may reach 6 cm across, developing flat rosettes of broad paddle-shaped leaves. Petioles are ½-2/3 the total leaf length, narrow and typically parallel to ever so slightly tapered with a glabrous upper surface and rather pilose abaxially. Lamina are semi-rounded to triangular in outline, much resembling very broad versions of the American D. capillaris. Coloration may be green with red tentacles to solid bright cherry throughout. Inflorescences may be 30 cm in length, with a covering of glands along their length and bearing up to 12 blooms. The flowers themselves are around 1.5 cm in diameter, with rounded to obovate white to pink petals. This species is oft confused with D. pilosa, from which it can be distinguished by its more glandular inflorescence and glabrous upper petiole surface, and petioles which taper very little along their length.

 

Cultivation: grow in a 1:1 peat/sand mix, Kept very moist to wet but with decent aeration, with moderate humidity and temperatures in the 70-90°F range year round. Sow seeds on soil surface, and grow in strong artificial light to full sun.

 

Lifespan and reproduction: perennial. Reproduces through seed and possibly division, and may be grown through leaf cuttings.

 

Sources: https://www.grislygrotto.com/hcb/burkeana3.jpg

http://www.ville-ge.ch/musinfo/bd/cjb/africa/details.php?langue=an&id=23750

https://www.zimbabweflora.co.zw/speciesdata/species.php?species_id=124750