Expert: Christopher Littrell - 6/13/2011

Question
Hello Christopher

I am finding it difficult to identify the difference between Drosera Capensis broad leaf form and Drosera Capensis giant form. I bought some seed and some of the giant and broad forms may have been mixed up so some of them may have been mislabelled.

In the below photos the plant on the left is labelled the giant form, the one in the middle is also labelled the giant form even though it looks as though it could be the broad form. The one on the right is labelled the broad form and that could be correct. The right hand plant has an old flower below it. What forms are the three plants in the below link in your opinion.

http://www.advantagein.com/cp/Picture-8-9-11%20047-giant-giant-broad.jpg

In the below link there are four plants in the front row. Ignore the ones in the background. From left to right they are labelled giant, broad, broad and giant. However, the one on the far left looks like it could be the broad form. The one labelled giant on the right has a purple flower which is in front of it. What forms are the four plants in your opinion?

http://www.advantagein.com/cp/Picture-8-9-11%20043-giant-broad-broad-giant.jpg

Your help is appreciated
Regards Richard.

Answer
Hello Richard,

I myself asked a similar question regarding the differences between Drosera capensis broad leaf and giant varieties a couple of years back. The answer was pretty much as I had surmised: that there really is not a big difference between them and that they are virtually the same. That being said, I do see a difference in leaf and petiole structure in various samples of your sundew pictures. As you indicated, the ones with broad petioles would likely be the broad leaf variety while the ones with longer petioles and leaf straps would possibly be what is termed the giant form. Just remember, as with Venus Flytraps, these differences could merely be individual cosmetic differences among plants of the same cultivar. I have one Venus Flytrap that produces leaf structures that are listed for cultivars from dente, pirhana, sawtooth, red dragon, and all green. Each of the plant's progeny have a different look about them suggesting each took a different genetic variable from the parent to the point that each now appears as a slightly different cultivar.

All of my Drosera capensis are of the Broad Leaf form and they possess qualities of both of the plant cultivars you have. They have narrow petioles and shorter, more compact leaf straps. In other words, my broad leafs do not match the pictures you have of any of your plants, not even your broad leafs.

I hope there is some enlightenment in all of this confusion.

Christopher