Grassland sundew facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Grassland sundew |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Drosera
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| Species: |
hookeri
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The grassland sundew, also known as Drosera hookeri, is a special type of carnivorous plant. It's a plant that lives for many years and grows from an underground tuber (a swollen stem that stores food). You can find this interesting plant in south-eastern Australia. It grows in places like Tasmania, Victoria, New South Wales, and South Australia.
This plant has a bit of a tricky history with its name! It was first recognized by a scientist named Joseph Dalton Hooker. He called it Drosera foliosa in 1848. However, that name had already been used for a different plant. So, the name was "illegitimate," meaning it couldn't be used. Later, scientists gave it the name Drosera hookeri to honor Hooker. This new name also helped to group it with other similar sundews found in Australia and New Zealand.
Like other sundews that grow from tubers, Drosera hookeri takes a long nap underground during the hot, dry summer. This resting period is called aestivation. It helps the plant survive tough conditions until the cooler, wetter weather returns.
What Does the Grassland Sundew Look Like?
Drosera hookeri is a non-woody plant that grows from an underground tuber. This tuber is usually white and can be found about 2 to 5 centimeters (1 to 2 inches) deep in the soil. The parts of the plant that grow above ground are typically 5 to 10 centimeters (2 to 4 inches) tall. They are often yellow-green or a bright yellow color.
This sundew has a group of leaves that spread out flat on the ground, forming a rosette. These leaves are shaped like a half-moon. It also has leaves along its stem, which are also half-moon shaped. The stem often branches out many times from the bottom of the plant. Its flowers are white and can grow very close to the leaves on the ground. When the plant makes seeds, they are black and shaped like tiny cylinders.
Where Does the Grassland Sundew Live?
The grassland sundew loves to live in grasslands and woodlands that are wet in winter but dry in summer. It's a common sight in these types of habitats across south-eastern Australia. You might often find Drosera hookeri growing alongside other similar sundew species in these areas.
Images for kids
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Drosera hookeri flower buds
