Cape sundew is a carnivorous, perennial, low growing herb with distinctive leaves covered in sticky red hairs.
Description
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Leaves are bright green, linear (6.5cm long) and in a basal rosette.
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Bear tentacle-like hairs tipped with sticky sap that capture and curl around small insects.
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Flowers are dark pink and droop on stems 35cm tall.
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Seeds are dispersed by water and waterfowl.
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Habitats include wetlands and wet areas.
What you need to know
Cape sundew displaces small native plants in wetland ecosystems and may capture native insects.
Management approach
Cape sundew is declared an unwanted organism by the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) because it is capable of causing harm to the natural environment, physical resources or human health in Aotearoa/New Zealand.
These species pose a high risk to our environment, economy, recreation, and cultural values.
Rules
Any species declared a pest, including unwanted organisms, cannot be sold or be in a place where plants are being sold. Pest plants cannot be propagated, bred, or multiplied, communicated, released, or cause to be released, or otherwise spread.
Control
Do not attempt to undertake control of cape sundew yourself. Report sightings to the Department of Conservation on 0800 ASK DOC (0800 275 362) or info@doc.govt.nz
Cape sundew. Photo credit: J Boow
Cape sundew. Photo credit: J Boow
Cape sundew. Photo credit: J Boow
