Range: Mt. Yakontipu, Pakaraima Mts., Guyana

 

A very rare Latin American sundew, this plant is so far the only endemic species in Guyana, where it is known to exist only on one solitary plateau in the Guayana Highlands, in swamps and clearings in peaty soils at 2065 meters in elevation; interestingly enough many seem to tolerate moderately shaded environs, though exposed locations are preferred. Plants may develop stems up to 10 cm tall that often branch, topped by a flat to semi-erect rosette to barely over 2 cm in diameter comprised of spatulate to paddle shaped leaves. Petioles are parallel and comprise most of the leaf length, slightly pilose abaxially and glabrous above; lamina are nearly round, and often reflexed upward especially on new leaves. Color is green to golden orange with yellow to wine red lamina and scarlet tentacles, occasionally flushed crimson throughout but more commonly with green/yellow petioles and red lamina. Scapes are minute, attaining heights of only 1-2 cm tall at most, bearing only 1-2 blooms and are densely covered at their base by white pilose hairs. Flowers are barely 0.5 cm in diameter, with broad obovate to nearly rounded petals and a sweet odor. The seedpods, like in its relatives D. felix and D. kaieteurensis, open like tiny cups, to release seeds via raindrop collision. This species can be distinguished from its relatives by its typically bicolored rosettes, tall branching stems at maturity, and glabrous sepals.

 

Cultivation: grow in a 2:1 peat/perlite or sand soil, kept very moist and humid with temps of 70-85°F year round, cooling to the 50-60’s at night. Sow seeds on soil surface, and grow in strong artificial light to full sun.

 

Lifespan and reproduction: perennial. Reproduces through seeds and division, and can be grown through leaf cuttings.

 

Sources: http://www.utricularien.de/karnivoren/kultur/bilder/d_solaris1.jpg

Fleischmann, A., Wistuba, A., and McPherson, S. (2007). Drosera solaris (Droseraceae), a new sundew from the Guayana Highlands. Willdenowia 37: 551-555.