Droseraceae germination and leaf gland and microgland character state patterns were re-examined in the light of new molecular phylogenetic relationships. Phanerocotylar germination is basal in the family, with cryptocotylar germination having evolved at least twice; once in Aldrovanda, and again in Drosera within the Bryastrum/Ergaleium clade. Gland patterns also support major clades; with the Bryastrum clade taxa having marginal and Rorella-type glands whereas the terminal branch of the Drosera clade had marginal glands and most of the clade possessed biseriate type 3 glands. The gland and germination patterns are supported by growth habit features, suggesting that the family and the main clades within Drosera in particular have undergone major adaptive radiations for these characters.