It’s a jungle out there! By Abi Hemmant

When thinking about carnivorous plants, it is hard to imagine them existing in the wild outside of tropical jungles. Actually, there are species found right here in Cumbria, although generally much smaller and often overlooked.
Drosera is a carnivorous plant that inhabits boggy, wet ground. It is more commonly called sundew, a name that came about due to the glistening properties of a dewy substance that covers the leaves. This dewy substance is called mucilage, and is vital in catching insects, the main food source for this plant.


Insects are attracted to the glistening, sweet-smelling mucilage, which is secreted from glands on the plant, but upon landing become trapped in the sticky substance. The struggling insect triggers thigmonasty, a process in which the outer tentacles of the plant bend in towards the centre, bringing a greater volume of enzyme-secreting glands towards the insect. Some species of Drosera have also evolved in such a way that they are able to fold their leaves around the unfortunate creature, ensuring the insect is completely smothered in mucilage.


Glands then exude a number of digestive enzymes, which break down the fleshy sections of the insect’s body, and free up nutrients which can be absorbed through the leaf surface. The leaves then unfold, exposing the remaining exoskeleton to be removed through wind or rain, and once again prepare to ensnare their next victim. Sundews most commonly consume small insects as they lack the muscle power to escape, however, sundews have also been known to consume craneflies, damselflies and butterflies. These fleshy meals supplement the poor nutrient levels found in the boggy grounds in which they grow, enabling the plant to complete its life cycle.


Sundews are found on many Cumbria Wildlife Trust nature reserves around the county, including Drumburgh Moss and Butterburn Flow. To find out more, visit http://www.cumbriawildlifetrust.org.uk/discover-cumbrias-nature-reserves.html.

Round-leaved sundew