Drosera plachonii is a climbing tuberous sundew endemic to the south-eastern states of Australia, as well as arid regions in southern Western Australia. The winter growing species occurs in heathland and shrubland, especially in sandy substrates. In WA, it is mostly restricted to mallee ecosystems in the Wheatbelt and surrounds. The species has charming cupped orbicular leaves that adorn a long thin stem. These leaves often occur in groups of three, with the longest leaf capable of latching onto nearby bushes to elevate the plant off the ground. The sepals are densely covered in glandular hairs and the petals are white.
Drosera plachonii is a species within the D. macrantha complex, and is distinguished by its relatively few flowers and sparse glandular indumenta on the upper portions of its stems. Within its eastern range, it is the only climbing species (as opposed to the erect or scrambling members of the D. peltata complex).
Drosera planchonii in the Wilson’s Promontory. Note the sparse glandular indumenta and hairy sepalsThe basal rosette of an immature plant. Flowering sized plants do not form this rosette. Drosera planchonii in the Anglesea HeathThe open flower in SE MelbourneNote the heavily branched stylesDetails of the sepals.Drosera planchonii often occupies heathy ridges around MelbourneA close up of the leafDrosera planchonii in metropolitan MelbourneD. planchonii in metropolitan MelbourneDrosera planchonii in the Fitzgerald River National Park, Western AustraliaDrosra planchonii near Mount Madden, Western AustraliaDrosra planchonii near Mount Madden, Western Australia. Note the sparse indumentum and few flowers. Seeds of Drosera planchonii. The checkered lines are 1 mm apart. According to Lowrie, the species is distinguishable by the seed morphology (although I have not personally compared it with others in the complex). He describes them as “nail-like with a narrow longitudinal ledge and wide, paddle-like apex”
