A small carnivorous plant, the Tall Sundew, Drosera auriculata, catches and digests insects for nutrients. The leaves have glands on stalks, which produce a sticky, digestive nectar.

Once an insect touches the nectar, it becomes stuck, and the stalks fold around it. The enclosing of the insects helps ensure trapping, aids digestion, and prevents rain from washing the nutrients away. Afterwards, the leaf opens, the insect’s remains blow away and the trap is reset.

Drosera auriculata is very similar to Drosera peltata, but can be distinguished by the arrangement of the branches in clusters, as well as alternate.

Drosera auriculata can be found adjacent to the boulders, which are about 10metres west of the Mandeni sign, at the turn-off on Sapphire Coast Drive, at coordinates 07 60 479, 59 17 829. They can also be found at Manna Park, along the XC track near Hammock Hilton, such as at coordinates 07 57 702, 59 19 164.

Photos:

Click on a thumbnail to download a higher resolution image. Photos T. Hastings 5-6/9/11.

Drosera auriculata full Drosera auriculata Drosera auriculata budsT Drosera auriculata detailT Drosera auriculata at Manna Park
Drosera auriculata mosquito Drosera auriculata insect Drosera auriculata moth Drosera auriculata digested

For more information see:
About this species: VCPS info. NSW Flora Online.
About Carnivorous Australian Plants.