Rediscovered Species - Drosera meristocaulis
Species:
Drosera meristocaulis
Locality:
Venezuela
Date discovered:
November 2004
Discovery Details
In 1954, Drosera meristocaulis was first discovered on the summit Mount Neblina - a remote mountain complex on the border of Venezuela and Brazil. This small sundew became of particular interest to botanists because it displays many unusual characteristics which sets it apart from all other South American taxa. It produces a flower that consists of three undivided styles, and develops a tall, erect, branched stem, lined with stipules. Both traits suggests that its closest relatives may be pygmy Drosera species from Australia. Yet despite repeated botanical expeditions and targeted searches, Drosera meristocaulis was not seen again during the 20th century and remained obscure and enigmatic.
In November 2004, Stewart McPherson joined Brazilian sundew expert Fernando Rivadavia in a search to rediscover the little-known plant. After many weeks of planning, the plant was rediscovered at the type locality and photographed for the first time. Ongoing studies of Drosera meristocaulis continue, but initial genetic findings suggest it is most closely related to the Australian Drosera scorpioides. Compelling biogeographic evidence strongly suggests that Drosera meristocaulis was not transported to the summit of Mount Neblina recently, but rather has survived in isolation and descended from a common ancestor of the Australian sundews.
Further information and several photos of Drosera meristocaulis feature in Redfern's recently released book titles Lost Worlds of the Guiana Highlands and Glistening Carnivores by Stewart McPherson. Both volumes are available online for immediate dispatch. Please see Redfern book catalogue (left) for more details or to place an order.
Please view our stock image and stock video libraries (links to the left) for photographs and video clips of this exciting little known plant!