A Sticky Predator
<p>Green drosera <em>Drosera indica</em> is an insectivorous plant commonly found in undisturbed rocky areas and grasslands in moist tropical regions. It is seen in tropical and southern Africa, Madagascar, and tropical and subtropical Asia.</p>
<p>The entire plant is covered by gland-tipped hair. Tiny insects are lured into landing on the plant, only to get entangled in the sticky secretions from the hair. The leaf slowly curls over the insects, releasing more and more secretions, which help digest the soft parts. The digested food is sucked into the plant, which then survives on these nutrients, despite growing on nutritionally-poor soils. Large colonies of this species are seen on granitic hills of south India. Quarrying, mining and intentionally-set fires are local threats to this species.</p>
<p><span style="font-size:12px;"><strong>Photo: Manali Rane/Bombay Environmental Action Group</strong></span></p>
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