Range: Venezuela, Colombia, possibly northern Brazil and Guyana

 

This member of the D. capillaris complex is a northern South American endemic, primarily found on the highlands and tepuis of Venezuela and the Colombian Andes where it grows in seeps, wetlands, and bogs anywhere where water is permanent or semi-permanent. Plants form short stems up to 2 cm tall, with flat rosettes 2.5 cm in diameter. Petioles are nearly parallel to slightly tapering, pubescent underneath, with rounded to slightly ovular lamina. Coloration is deep green to solid red with scarlet tentacles. Inflorescences are up to 10 cm long, bearing 3-6 flowers less than 1 cm across with teardrop shaped white to pink petals. Though highly similar to D. capillaris, this species can be distinguished by the more rounded lamina, more prominent pubescence on the petiole underside, and gland details.

 

Cultivation: Grow in a 2:1 sand/peat mix, kept moist to wet and moderately humid with temperatures of 65-85°F day, 45-60°F night, year round. Sow seeds on soil surface, and grow in strong artificial light to full sun.

 

Lifespan and reproduction: perennial. Reproduces by seed and division, but can be grown via cuttings.

 

Sources: http://portal.cybertaxonomy.org/flora-guianas/node/2599

http://rziemer.cpphotofinder.com/rziemer/Rivadavia/D_esmeraldae2Duida.jpg