Sundew, Roundleaf sundew

Drosera rotundifolia

Physical Characteristics

Drosera rotundifolia is an evergreen Perennial growing to 0.1 m (0ft 4in) by 0.1 m (0ft 4in) at a slow rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in leaf all year, in flower from July to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very acid soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist or wet soil.

Distribution

Europe, including Britain but excluding he Mediterranean, N. Asia, N. America..

Habitats

Pond; Bog Garden;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Edible Uses: Curdling agent The juice of the plant is used to curdle plant milks[177, 183]. You heat the milk and the leaves together in order to make the milk curdle[7].

Medicinal Uses

Antibacterial Antibiotic Antispasmodic Demulcent Expectorant Homeopathy Hypoglycaemic Warts The sundew has a long history of herbal use, having been popular for its fortifying and aphrodisiac effects[238]. It relaxes the muscles of the respiratory tract, easing breathing and relieving wheezing and so is of great value in the treatment of various chest complaints[254]. The plant has become quite rare and so it should not be harvested from the wild[254]. The flowering plant is antibacterial, antibiotic, antispasmodic, antitussive, demulcent, expectorant and hypoglycaemic[4, 7, 9, 13, 21, 46, 165, 172, 222, 238]. The plant is used with advantage in the treatment of whooping cough, exerting a peculiar action on the respiratory organs[4]. It is also used in the treatment of incipient phthisis, chronic bronchitis and asthma[4]. Externally, it has been used to treat corns, warts and bunions[257].The plant is harvested in the summer and can be dried for later use[7]. Use with caution[21]. Internal use of this herb causes a harmless colouring of the urine[9]. An extract of the plant contains plumbagin, which is antibiotic against a wide range of pathogens[222, 238]. Because of their protein digesting enzymes, the leaf juice has been used in the treatment of warts and corns[4, 222]. The entire fresh plant, harvested when it is starting to flower, is used to make a homeopathic remedy[232]. It is used mainly in the treatment of coughs[232] and is specific for whooping cough[7].

Known Hazards

None known