Reviewed public profile

Drosera intermedia

Drosera intermedia, commonly known as the oblong-leaved sundew or spoonleaf sundew, is a delicate yet highly specialized carnivorous plant native to European bogs, fens, and wet heathlands. Unlike the flat rosette of Drosera rotundifolia, Drosera intermedia typically forms a more upright, semi-erect growth habit. Its narrow, elongated leaves rise from the center of the plant and are densely covered with red glandular tentacles that exude sticky droplets of mucilage. These glistening traps efficiently capture small flying and crawling insects, which are then slowly enveloped by the leaf as it curls inward to digest its prey. Drosera intermedia favors constantly wet conditions and is often found growing directly in shallow standing water or saturated sphagnum moss. It is characteristic of open, sun-exposed bog pools and wet depressions, where competition from larger plants is minimal. In summer, the plant produces slender flower stalks bearing small white blossoms.