Drosophyllum lusitanicum is native to the western Mediterranean region (Portugal, Spain and Morocco), and is one of the few carnivorous plants to grow in dry, alkaline soils. The 20- to 40-cm (8- to 16-in) glandular leaves, which uncoil from a central rosette, lack the power of movement common to most sundews, but have the unusual characteristic of coiling 'outward' when immature (outward circinate vernation).[2] The plant has a distinct sweet aroma, which attracts the insects upon which it preys. When insects land on the leaves, they find themselves stuck to the mucilage secreted by the stalked glands on the leaves. The more the insects struggle, the more ensnared they become, ultimately dying of suffocation or exhaustion. The plant then secretes enzymes which dissolve the insects and release the nutrients, which are then absorbed by the plant. The plant uses these nutrients to supplement the nutrient-poor soil in which it grows.
Drosophyllum lusitanicum bears bright-yellow flowers, 4 cm (1.6 in) in diameter, borne in groups of 3–15 between February and May. The translucent seedpods bear 3–10 opaque black, pear-shaped seeds, 2.5 mm (0.098 in) in diameter. Seed germination may be aided by scarification.
The genus had always been assumed to be closely allied to Drosera, and was previously placed in the Droseraceae. Recent molecular and biochemical studies, however, place it in the monotypic Drosophyllaceae, as recommended by the Angiosperm Phylogeny Group, and allied with the Dioncophyllaceae (Triphyophyllum) and Ancistrocladaceae.
Drosophyllum (/ˌdrɒsɵˈfɪləm/, rarely /drəˈsɒfɪləm/) is a genus of carnivorous plants containing the single species Drosophyllum lusitanicum (Portuguese sundew or dewy pine). In appearance, it is similar to the related genus Drosera (the sundews), and to the much more distantly related Byblis (the rainbow plants).
The Portugese Sundew, scientifically identified with Greek and Latin roots as the Drosophyllum lusitanicum. The literal translation into english being; Portugal Dew. The Portuguese Sundew is a close relative to Drosera genus and distant relative to the Byblis genus evidenced by its dewy, piney appearance and multifaceted coloring. The drosophyllum lusitanicum, although native to Portugal has also been identified in southern Spain and northern Morocco. The botanical genius of the Portuguese Dew plant is demonstrated by its ability to survive in harsh climates. Recognized as one of the most rugged carnivorous plants, this shrub-like plant is not only beautiful and sweet scented, but also deadly (Pasek). The Drosophyllum lusitanicum is an extremely unique carnivorous plant. The Portuguese Sundew's originality is derived from its diversity as well as its behavior. This carnivorous plant has evolved to survive in climates and conditions where nutrient rich soil is scarce. Typical environments could vary from dry conditions potentially in alkaline soils to soggy marshes (wiki/Pasek). The commonality being that this plant cannot survive on the available nutrients collected by roots and therefore depends on alternative means of nourishment; hence the
carnivorous species. The Portuguese Sundew behaves similarly to the Venus Fly Trap and has many commonalities with other carnivorous plants such as the Waterwheel Plant, Butterworts, and Sarracenia.