Drosera glabripes

Spoon Leaf Sundew

Drosera glabripes is a strange, stem forming sundew found over a large swathe of the Cape coastal mountains, from the Cape peninsula through to Witsand. It is a rosetted species but quickly forms a woody stem as old leaves die, sometimes reaching over 30cm in height. Leaves are spoon-shaped on a long, round petiole. The species is noted for its highly divided stipules which are visible against the stem. 

Similarly to the other coastal xeric species, D. glabripes inhabits the slopes of coastal mountains in dry, well-draining soils and flowers in Summer, producing large pink flowers. It is alleged that this species can grow roots up to 70cm deep! These plants grow year-round unless harsh summers force them back to a resting bud.