Drosera binata 'T-Form'

Drosera binata is a very common species in cultivation. It can often be found as a hitchhiker in collections because the seeds spread very easily.

Etymology: Drosera from Greek droseros ‘dewy’¹. Binata means 'having pairs', referring to the forked leaves.²

This is the most basic form of Drosera binata. It only splits once and stays rather small compared to other binata forms like Multifida or Marston Dragon.

The flowers of Drosera binata are on the big side. The flowers are different sizes, depending on where they are on the flower stalk. The bottom flowers are the biggest with about 2 cm and the last ones tend to be quite small with less than 1 cm in diameter.

They are bright white and open as soon as the light levels are high enough and will stay open for more than 12 hours. During overcast days the flowers may not open fully. They are self-pollinating.

There are 5 stamens on each flower and there are about 25 styles, with each having a stigma that's either split fully or is shaped like a fan.

Drosera binata seeds are really different from other sundews. They have a dark middle, which contains the actual endosperm and embryo. At both ends, the seed coat is light in colour. These hollow tubes likely functions as 'wings' to catch in the wind. You can see this when seeds fall because they'll fall slowly and move in a certain direction. The seed coat is also slightly iridescent, which means it reflects certain colours, mainly green and purple. It's unknown what causes the iridescence or what the function is.

1. https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/drosera

2. Salmon, B. (2001). Carnivorous Plants of New Zealand. Ecosphere Publications.