Round-leaved Sundew

When: June - August

Scientific name: Drosera rotundifolia

Scientific name: geald-i'uidhe, ros an rsolais 

Height:  Up to 20cm

Where: Peat and lowland bogs, among sphagnum, Wester Moss SSSI (Butterfly Conservation Scotland reserve)

Also known as common sundew, this beguiling and beautiful plant is infact a carnivore! Its leaves are covered in glistening crimson tendrils that secrete a sticky sap, irresistable to passing insects. When the prey becomes stuck on the tendrils, the leaf begins to curl around, eventually entombing the victim to a grim end. The sundew is able to digest its prey, absorbing the nutrients to supplement its diet. The plant has developed these carnivorous tendencies due to the nutrient poor, acidic soils it likes to grow on. 

The leaves of this plant grow in a rosette form, with white or pink flowers appearing in summertime. Sometimes confused with the Oblong-leaved Sundew, the Round-leaved can be distinguished by the more circular shape of its leaves.

The 'dew' of the Round-leaved Sundew was once an ingredient in anti-ageing potions, with people believing it must have youth-preserving properties due to it's ability to remain moist and fresh, even in the strongest of suns. It was later used as a love talisman - a rather sinister delegation for a plant that lures and traps innocent visitors!