UV-induced fluorescence in the flowers of certain pygmy and tuberous Drosera and in the traps of Drosera barrettiorum

Andreas Fleischmann

UV-induced fluorescence in the flowers of certain pygmy and tuberous Drosera and in the traps of Drosera barrettiorum

Andreas Fleischmann

Carniv. Pl. Newslett. 55(1):15-25
Published 12 February 2026

https://doi.org/10.55360/cpn551.af129

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Abstract

Two phenomena connected to UV-induced visible autofluorescence in Drosera are reported here: 1) bright blue UV fluorescence of anthers of certain Australian pygmy and tuberous Drosera (D. sections Bryastrum and Ergaleium), likely connected to the attraction of crepuscular pollinators; 2) bright blue UV fluorescence of the yellow, potato crisp-like modified tentacles of D. barrettiorum (D. section Arachnopus), likely connected to prey attraction and probably serving as anther/pollen mimicry to attract (crepuscular or nocturnal) pollen-feeding insects.

Keywords: flower biology, anther fluorescence, pollen mimicry, prey attraction, sundews

Article Citation

Andreas Fleischmann. 2026. UV-induced fluorescence in the flowers of certain pygmy and tuberous Drosera and in the traps of Drosera barrettiorum. Carniv. Pl. Newslett. 55(1):15-25. https://doi.org/10.55360/cpn551.af129

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