Range: Far northern Western Australia and neighboring Northern Territory

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Named after the Ord River around which its primary populations are found, this species has a preference for sandstone substrates of relatively stable moisture surrounded by widely spaced cane grasses. Plants grow to an average of 12 but can reach 20 cm in diameter, with roughly oblanceolate leaves that may grow flat to the soil surface or semi-erect, petioles densely covered on all sides by dendritic white hairs and tipped in rounded lamina with similarly pilose abaxial sides. Coloration tends to remain green in the petiole (creating a silvery-mint hue under the hairs), the lamina either green with brilliant scarlet tentacles or deep red throughout. Inflorescences are up to 40 cm in height, equally densely covered in hair, and bearing up to 50 blooms each. Flowers are up to 2 cm in diameter, obovate and usually very pale to rich pink with a darker midvein. This species can be distinguished from its close relatives like D. lanata and derbyensis by its generally broader petioles, dendritic hair structure, non-pendulous fruits, and completely hairy inflorescences.

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Cultivation: a species that has routinely given me significant trouble; grow in a very sandy peat-based or loose sphagnum soil mix, kept moist during the active growing season with temperatures between 80-95°F year round. If plants begin to reduce in size and show signs of dormant bud development, allow soil to dry to just barely damp or even completely dry for some periods until growth resumes. Sow seeds on soil surface (older seeds may possibly benefit from smokewater or GA3 treatment though this is still debated), and grow in strong artificial light to full sun.

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Lifespan and reproduction: perennial. Reproduces through seed (may need cross-pollination) and may be possibly grown through leaf pullings or stem divisions.

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Sources: Lowrie et al. (2017). Drosera of the World Vol. 2. Redfern Natural History Publications.