The correct spelling of the carnivorous plant species, Drosophyllum Lusitanicum, can be tricky to decipher. The first part, "Drosophyllum," is pronounced as /droʊˈsɒfəlʌm/ with the stress on the second syllable. The second part, "Lusitanicum," is pronounced as /luːsɪˈtænɪkəm/ with the stress on the third syllable. The name originates from the Greek words "drosos" and "phullon," meaning "dew" and "leaf," respectively. Meanwhile, "Lusitanicum" refers to the plant's native region, Lusitania, which is now modern-day Portugal.
Drosophyllum lusitanicum, also known as the Portuguese sundew, is a carnivorous plant species belonging to the botanical family Droseraceae. It is native to the Iberian Peninsula, primarily found in Portugal and Spain.
The Drosophyllum Lusitanicum comprises a small rosette of narrow, linear, and succulent leaves, which can reach up to 30 centimeters in length. The leaves are densely covered in sticky glandular trichomes, providing the plant with its carnivorous nature. These trichomes secrete a sticky substance that captures and traps small insects, subsequently digesting and absorbing their nutrients to supplement its growth where the soil is nutrient deficient.
Apart from its unique carnivorous adaptation, Drosophyllum Lusitanicum produces bright yellow flowers during the summer season. These flowers are five-petaled and develop on tall inflorescences, reaching heights of up to 60 centimeters. They possess a pleasant fragrance, attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
The Portuguese sundew is adapted to thrive in dry, sandy, and nutrient-poor soils. It typically grows in coastal areas and dry, rocky habitats, where it is exposed to full sun for most of the day. Its ability to tolerate extreme drought conditions is due to its specialized root system that stores water for prolonged periods. However, it may require occasional watering during periods of extreme drought to prevent desiccation.
Drosophyllum Lusitanicum is highly prized among carnivorous plant enthusiasts due to its rarity and beautiful visual appeal. It is protected by conservation efforts in its native habitats to ensure its preservation and prevent its decline.
The word Drosophyllum has its roots in the Greek language. It comes from the combination of two Greek words: drosos meaning dew and phyllon meaning leaf. This name refers to the unique characteristic of the plant having leaves covered with sticky hairs that resemble dewdrops.
Lusitanicum is derived from Lusitania, the ancient Roman name for the region corresponding to modern-day Portugal, where this plant species is native. Hence, Drosophyllum lusitanicum signifies the dew-leafed plant from Lusitania or the Lusitanian dewy leaf.