I think these bright red leaves at Ross Creek must belong to a scarlet sundew. Am I correct?
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I.K., Brown Hill.
These are leaves of the scented sundew, but they are surprisingly red. The leaves of this plant can be yellow-green through to maroon, but they are seldom as bright red as your photo shows. Perhaps yours are maturing as winter ends.
The reason for different colours of leaf in the scented sundew is not understood. Green leaves sometimes grow close to red, so the difference does not appear to be related to soil or nutrients.
The scarlet sundew has smaller yellow-green leaves with obvious stems. Its name comes from its flower, which is actually more orange than red. The scented sundew is common in local forests, but the scarlet sundew is scarcer.
- Questions and photos are welcome. Send to Roger Thomas at The Courier, PO Box 21, Ballarat, 3353, or email to rthomas@vic.australis.com.au