Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Division | Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) |
|---|---|
| Plant Growth Form | Herbaceous Plant |
| Lifespan (in Singapore) | Perennial |
| Mode of Nutrition | Autotrophic, Heterotrophic (Insectivorous / Carnivorous) |
| Maximum Height | 30 cm |
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | New Zealand, eastern Australia |
|---|
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | Non-tuberous herbaceous plant with erect to sprawling growth habit up to 30 cm tall. |
|---|---|
| Foliage | The thin, narrow leaves are forked at the tip into 2 prongs or further sub-divided into a multi-pronged tip. The leaf blade is lined with reddish brown tentacles holding tiny drops of mucilage known as dew. The mucilage contains digestive enzymes that break down the bodies of trapped insects. |
| Flowers | White or occasionally light pink flowers are composed of obovate petals arranged in a star-shaped pattern. About 15-30 flowers occur on a spike inflorescence, and 1-2 blooms open at a time. |
| Fruit | The dry, dehiscent fruit is a capsule. |
| Habitat | Occurs in swamps and bogs where soil is wet and acidic. They are found in humid to subhumid areas in temperate, subtropical and tropical climates. |
| Cultivation | It grows well in both bright filtered light and full sun. This species needs to be kept moist at all times. |
Landscaping Features
| Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Form |
|---|---|
| Landscape Uses | Marsh / Bog, Suitable for Hanging Baskets |
| Thematic Landscaping | Marsh Garden |
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Full Sun, Semi-Shade |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Lots of Water |
| Rootzone Tolerance | Waterlogged Soils |
Foliar
| Foliage Retention | Evergreen |
|---|---|
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Green |
| Mature Foliage Texture(s) | Sticky |
| Prominent Young Flush Colour(s) | Green |
| Young Flush Texture(s) | Sticky |
| Foliar Modification | Sticky Trap |
| Foliar Type | Simple / Unifoliate |
| Foliar Shape(s) | Non-Palm Foliage |
Floral (Angiosperm)
| Flower Colour(s) | Pink, White |
|---|---|
| Flower Texture(s) | Smooth |
| Flower Grouping | Cluster / Inflorescence |
| Flower Location | Terminal |
| Flower Symmetry | Radial |
| Individual Flower Shape | Stellate / Star-shaped |
| Flowering Period | Free-Flowering |
| Flowering Opening Time | Daytime |
| Flower Lifespan on Plant | 1 Day |
| Flowering Habit | Polycarpic |
Fruit, Seed and Spore
| Mature Fruit Colour(s) | Brown |
|---|---|
| Mature Fruit Texture(s) | Papery |
| Fruit Classification | Simple Fruit |
| Fruit Type |
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 32780 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 7192 |
| Flora Disclaimer | The information in this website has been compiled from reliable sources, such as reference works on medicinal plants. It is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment and NParks does not purport to provide any medical advice. Readers should always consult his/her physician before using or consuming a plant for medicinal purposes. |
