Drosera capensis

Cape sundew

Drosera capensis, commonly known as the Cape Sundew, is a captivating carnivorous plant native to South Africa. Characterized by its delicate, glandular leaves, it utilizes sticky mucilage to ensnare insects. Beyond its botanical beauty, this species offers fascinating potential in ethnobotany and studies regarding unique bioactive plant compounds.

  • Scientific name: Drosera capensis
  • Family: Droseraceae
  • Native range: Africa

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. It is further classified under the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Caryophyllales. Finally, Drosera capeensis is a member of the Droseraceae family within the genus Drosera.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Caryophyllales WCVP
Family Droseraceae WCVP
Genus Drosera WCVP

Common Names

This plant, known scientifically as Drosera capensis, is referred to by various common names depending on the language. In Chinese, it is called 好望角毛毡苔 (zh-hans), 好望角毛氈苔 (zh-hant), or 好望角毛氈苔 (zh-hk). In German, it is known as Kap-Sonnentau, while in Czech, the common name is rosnatka kapská.
Language Common Name Source
zh-hans 好望角毛毡苔 Wikidata
zh-hant 好望角毛氈苔 Wikidata
zh-hk 好望角毛氈苔 Wikidata
de Kap-Sonnentau Wikidata
cs rosnatka kapská Wikidata
pl Rosiczka przylądkowa Wikidata
ru Росянка капская Wikidata
az Kap şehçiçəyi Wikidata
ar ندية رأس الرجاء Wikidata
nl Kaapse zonnedauw Wikidata

Distribution

This plant exhibits a widespread geographical distribution across several distinct global regions. In its native habitat, it is found within the Cape Provinces of Southern Africa. Beyond Africa, the species also occurs naturally in the state of New South Wales in Australia. Furthermore, it has established a presence in the Southwestern United States, specifically within California. These diverse locations highlight the significant range inhabited by Drosera capensis.

Region Area Source
Southern Africa Cape Provinces WCVP
Australia New South Wales WCVP
Southwestern U.S.A. California WCVP

Chemicals

Drosera capensis has 4 reported phytochemicals identified across 4 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include flavonoids, jasmonic acid, naphthoquinone, terpenoids.

Total chemicals
4
Scientific sources
4

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
flavonoids 1 ★☆☆☆☆
jasmonic acid 1 ★☆☆☆☆
naphthoquinone 1 ★☆☆☆☆
terpenoids 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Drosera capensis has 6 reported medicinal uses identified across 6 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include Mycobacterium smegmatis, asthma, cough, eczema, infections.

Total uses
6
Scientific sources
6

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
Mycobacterium smegmatis 1 ★☆☆☆☆
asthma 1 ★☆☆☆☆
cough 1 ★☆☆☆☆
eczema 1 ★☆☆☆☆
infections 1 ★☆☆☆☆
tuberculosis 1 ★☆☆☆☆