Roundleaf Sundew

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Amazing Species: Roundleaf Sundew
The Roundleaf Sundew, Drosera rotundifolia, has not yet been evaluated for the IUCN
Red List of Threatened SpeciesTM at a global level. It is one of the most widespread sundew
species, found in bogs, marshes and fens of northern Europe, Siberia, North America,
Korea, Japan and New Guinea.
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The species produces little drops of mucilage containing a sugary substance that lures
its insect prey. Insects get caught in the sticky tentacles and are consumed by digestive
enzymes. This carnivorous lifestyle has likely evolved in response to its nutrient deficient
habitat - cool boggy areas of mountainous regions. Roundleaf Sundew has been found
to have anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties, and has a long history of use
as a medicinal herb for relaxing respiratory muscles and relieving wheezing and chest
complaints, whooping cough, bronchitis and asthma.
Although assessed as Least Concern at a regional level, Roundlead Sundew has a
different conservation status according to the country in which it is evaluated showing
various levels of threat to the species. In northwest Europe, many bogs have been
destroyed due to human disturbance and activity, so it is imperative that sites supporting
this habitat are protected in the future.
The production of the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species™
is made possible through the IUCN Red List Partnership.