Re: Drosera and other stuff

Oliver T Massey CFS (massey@hal.fmhi.usf.edu)
Thu, 13 Apr 1995 14:23:35 -0400

> > As for D.
> >brevifolia, can it be reliably distinguished from small forms of capillaris
by
> >the hairy or tentacled scape?
>
> Yes, more or less. The (always glandular) indumentum on the scapes of
> _D.brevifolia_ is usually much denser than in the other two species (which
> do usually not flower in a stage at which their leaves are so small that
> the rosettes could really be confused with those of _D.brevifolia_).
>
> The best distinguishing feature (in the absence of seeds, which are
> diagnostic in all 3 species) is in the stipules, however. These are reduced
> to two very inconspicuous and sometimes deciduous lateral setae in
> _D.brevifolia_, so they are usually not even noticed by the unexperienced
> observer, while the stipules of _D.intermedia_ and _D.capillaris_ are
> well developed.
> Kind regards
> Jan

Thanks for the info, -time to take some samples and get practice with a
good hand lens. Otherwise, our club met last night and we talked a
little about the abundant varieties of D. capillaris known to the
members. D. capillaris around here has one form with very long robust
stems, it looks like a heavy D. intermedia, another small form I see
growing in close proximity is tiny, sometimes 1/4 inch across when
flowering, but the scapes are definitely not glandular.

On another note, we (the club) have decided to beef-up our newsletter a
little, still likely to be 4 pages or so but we will adding one (or
two?) color photographs as enclosures each issue. We will probably
start with the Southern US species. I have had a few inquires about
memberships from overseas etc, and we will allow people to join if they
are interested in receiving the newsletter. We just need to work out a
rate to reflect the higher cost of mail. For those of you who have sent
letters I will be mailing you info.

Tom in Fl