Sonnentau

Sonnentau, or sundew, is the common German name for sundews, carnivorous plants of the genus Drosera in the family Droseraceae. More than 90 species are distributed worldwide, with the greatest diversity in Australia, southern Africa, and South America. Sundews are herbaceous perennials that range from small rosettes to larger growing plants. They form flat, leaf rosettes whose leaves bear tentacles topped by sticky glandular heads that secrete mucilage, giving the impression of dew.

When insects or other small invertebrates land on the leaf, the mucilage adheres them to the tentacles. The leaf may slowly curl around the prey in some species, bringing more tentacles into contact. Digestive enzymes, including proteases and phosphatases, break down the prey and the nutrients are absorbed, supplementing the plant's uptake of nutrients from the often nutrient-poor soils in which they grow. Photosynthesis remains the plant's main energy source.

Sundews inhabit acidic, nutrient-poor soils in bogs, fens, marshes, heathlands, and rocky areas, often in full sun to partial shade. They are found on every continent except Antarctica, with especially high species richness in Australia, South Africa, and South America.

In cultivation, Sonnentau are popular among carnivorous plant enthusiasts. They require bright light, high humidity, and a constantly moist, acidic medium, typically a peat- or sphagnum-based mix with purified water. They tolerate cool to warm temperatures depending on species and are propagated by seed or leaf cuttings.