Photoperiod regulates Cape Sundew (Drosera capensis) gland secretion and leaf development

Abstract

Cape Sundew (Drosera capensis), a carnivorous plant that catches flies with sticky mucus, has attracted great interest among botanists and horticulture hobbyists since the Darwin era. But little is known about how this carnivorous plant regulates morphogenesis and organ formation to accommodate environmental changes. In this article we present the relationship between gland secretion of Cape Sundew and photoperiod utilizing various physiological and morphological methods. We show that Cape Sundew grows faster and secretes more mucus under long days than under short days. Under long days leaf length and the bladepetiole ratio increases, leading to increased fly catching capacities. More importantly, in the short term, the rhythm of photoperiod causes Cape Sundew to secrete mucus independent of photo intensity.