#CreatureFeature – Drosera bulbosa (Red-Leaved Sundew)

The wet winter of 2025 has allowed the replenishment of the Drosera bulbosa, commonly known as the Red-Leaved Sundew. However, don’t be deterred by its size, this tuberous perennial herb hides some pretty carnivorous habits.
Home 🞂 Newsroom 🞂 #CreatureFeature – Drosera bulbosa (Red-Leaved Sundew)

The Red-Leaved Sundew can be found around clay loam slopes amongst the granite outcrops and moss beds. This spectacular species can be frequently sighted in our granite outcrop reserves such as the Canna Reserve and Koolanooka Reserve near Morawa and Perenjori.

Photo: iNaturalist Australia

But how is it carnivorous? Well, the Red Leaves of this insect-trapping native secrete a sticky, clear fluid. This invisible coating around the leaves is a type of mucus, only noticeable as it glistens in the sun, making it the perfect weapon. The Plant lures in unsuspecting insects with its eye-catching colours. However, the mucus coated plant traps the insect giving the leaves enough time to quickly fold, engulfing its prey. The fluids produced by the small herb are beaming with microorganisms, but whether the plant uses these microorganisms for digestion is still unclear.

Photo: iNaturalist Australia

The carnivorous nature of the sundew provides an addition survival mechanism, allowing it to have survived many years in a variable arid environment. This is especially rare as it can supplement its nutrient intake from elsewhere (insects) in addition to feeding from nutrients in the ground. Understanding the evolution of this plant in the north compared to other sundew in the Droseraceae family around the SW Land division or other Australian sundews is not frequently discussed but it is a potential driver behind the different colour and size viewed amongst the species.

At the end of a wet winter, the small plant matures and as it dries out it releases spores which are then dispersed. This method of reproduction is strengthened by a tubulous fleshly root, allowing existing plants to survive the hot and often dry summer. Finally, as winter rolls around again, this magical plant emerges from the surface, small and fleshy taking form as a ground-covering flower until it blooms again.

References: Drosera Bulbosa Roots Revealed | An acidophilic fungus promotes prey digestion in a carnivorous plant – PMC | Phylogenomics of Australian sundews (Drosera Droseraceae)

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In 2020-21 I talked about ‘raising the bar’. In 2021-22 we worked on setting the bar on fire. Over the last 12 months, the team at NACC NRM has not stopped.

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To this end, Western Mulga rangers have improved management across 19,000 ha for the conservation of Malleefowl through firebreak and access management. They completed the maintenance of water holes and supported the monitoring of over 90 Malleefowl mounds.

Similarly, the Kwelena Mambakort Aboriginal Corporate ranger team have contributed positively to Carnaby’s Black Cockatoo populations by installing artificial hollows and habitat restoration.

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In September 2021, the NACC NRM team delivered the WA Threatened Species Forum, held in tandem with the National Malleefowl Forum. Given the impact of COVID and the timing of this event, having more than 100 delegates from all over Australia was a significant achievement. The two Forums brought together 12 events over five days and featured 14 local artists, 25 businesses and 36 youth participants.

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This planning work links to existing NACC NRM on-ground projects, including Beyond Reasonable Drought and the Chapman Catchment Collaborative regeneration project.

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We also supported on-ground works throughout the region, including at the following locations Yuna, Dalwallinu, Dandaragan, Merkanooka, Goodlands, Kalannie, Bunjil, Yardarino, Canna, Kondut, Latham, Kadathinni, Nabawa, Red Gully, Sandy Gully, Waddy Forrest, Devils Creek, Perenjori, Bowgada, Ellendale, Wandana, Namban, Hill River, Warradarge, Gillingarra, Regans Ford and Moonyanooka.

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