30 ENGLISH BOTANY. 



The name of tlie genus comes from qwao^ (drosos), dew, because the plants appear 

 as if covered witli dew, in consequence of their leaves possessing elongated hairs, on 

 the enlarged heads of which drops of moisture collect. 



SPECIES L— DROSERA ROTUNDIPOLIA. Linn. 



Plate CLXXXII. 



JReich. Ic. Fl. Germ, et Helv. Vol. III. CiM. Tab. XXIV. Fig. 4522. 



Leaves spreading horizontally, roundisli or transversely ovate, 

 abruptly attenuated into long footstalks which have a few hairs on 

 their upper surfaces. Scapes erect from the very base, much longer 

 than the petioles. Capsule about as long as the sepals, ovoid. Seeds 

 elongate-fusiform, ^yith a loose reticulated chafT-like testa. 



In spongy bogs and wet heaths. Common wherever the condi- 

 tions for its growth are favourable. 



England, Scotland, Ireland. Perennial. Late Summer. 



Hootstock vertical, very slender, producing at the extremity a 

 very short stem, so that the leaves appear to be in a radical rosette. 

 In plants which do not flower, however, the leafy stem is frequently 

 1 inch or more long. Leaves with petioles from 1 to 2 inches long, 

 with a fimbriated membrane near the base (probably representing 

 stipules), and generally a few hairs on the upper surface, especially 

 near the top ; in direction horizontal when growing, but reflexed 

 when the plant is pulled up ; lamina of the leaf f to f inch across 

 by 3- to ^ inch long, glabrous below, with rather short erect hairs 

 tipped by red glands on the upper surface, and longer red spreading 

 hairs round the edge ; the young leafstalks are suddenly incurved 

 at the top, so that the lamina of the leaf which is folded together 

 is pressed against the upper part of the leafstalk, and all the hairs 

 are neatly folded inwards. Scapes from the axils of the leaves 

 3 to G inches high, slightly flexuous, bearing from 3 to 15 flowers 

 arranged alternately in two rows on one side of the spike-like 

 raceme, at first coiled inwards, but straightening as the flowers 

 open. Bracts subulate, deciduous. Pedicels much shorter than 

 the sepals. Sepals narrowly oblong, nearly distinct at the base, 

 slightly denticulate near the apex. Plowers nearly erect, about 

 •^ inch across, white, star-like, with the petals a little longer than 

 the sepals. Styles short, incurved, bifid, with the segments slightly 

 clavate and entire. Capsule oblong-ovoid, acute, a little longer 

 than the sepals, but shorter than the withered persistent petals. 

 Seeds numerous, very much elongated, with a loose netted brownish 

 seed-coat. "Whole plant yellowish green, often tinged with red, 

 especially on the hairs on the upper surface and margins of the 

 leaves : these hairs, in hot weather, secrete a gummy fluid, but the 

 leaves certainly do not close and entrap insects, as do those of the 

 Venus' Plytrap of Carolina, though this has been stated to be the 



