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Drosera esperensis

The taxa grouped as Drosera microphylla were recently split into three separate species by Allen Lowrie. The complex now consists of D. calycina (the previous D. microphylla var. macropetala), D. esperensis (a white flowered form found near Esperance) and D. microphylla (the original type form).
D. esperensis is an erect growing species reaching 13 to 16 cm in height. The plants are red in colour. This species produces bracts at the lower part of the stem. The leaves are scattered solitary along the glabrous stem.
The most striking difference are the remarkable flowers in this complex. The sepals are spaced between the petals a unique manner. D. esperensis has white petals which are blushed pink at the base, the filaments are pink or white with red at the base. The anthers are white and the pollen is yellow. The styles are dark pink in the bottom half, white above. The tubers are red and smooth.

The flower is unique in the genus and therefore makes it easy to identify this species.



tubers with emerging stolons

Tubers with emerging stolons- please note the smooth tuber surface.

 

 

plant

plant

plant

leaf

leaf

plant with flower bud

Plants and leaves. The leaves are usually orbicular, but may be flattened at the top. They are never truncate (would be typical feature for D. calycina).

 

 

plant with flower

flower

flower - side view

closed flower during the night

Flowering plants and flower close-ups. The flower remains open for several days and closes during the night.

 

 






 

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