The Sundew Plant, known as Mao Gao, is a perennial herbaceous plant capable of catching insects.
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(Photo: aphotoflora) |
The plant grows to a height of 10-20 cm, with a distinct stem and alternate leaves. The petioles are small and crescent-shaped, measuring only 2.4-4 mm in width. The edges of the leaves are covered with numerous hairs, approximately 300 in total. The tips of these hairs swell into a spherical shape, colored reddish-purple, and can secrete a sticky substance that emits a fragrant aroma to attract insects.
When an insect is lured to rest on the leaves, the hairs will simultaneously curl up, tightly wrapping around the unfortunate creature, serving as prey for the Sundew. If one of the leaves captures a large prey, the surrounding leaves will assist in subduing and killing it. If two insects land on a single leaf, the leaf’s edge hairs will coordinate to trap both. Subsequently, the leaves secrete digestive fluids to consume the captured insect.
The Sundew is distributed in tropical and subtropical regions, as well as Australia. This plant can be used for medicinal purposes; it is mildly toxic and can help clear heat and detoxify. It can also be applied externally to bruises, promoting blood circulation and reducing swelling.
