Characteristics
Sundews are perennial (or rarely annual) herbaceous plants, forming prostrate or upright rosettes between 1 cm (0.4 in) and 1 m (39 in) in height, depending on the species. Climbing species form scrambling stems which can reach much longer lengths, up to 3 m (10 ft) in the case of D. erythrogyne. Sundews have been shown to be able to achieve a lifespan of 50 years. The genus is so specialized for nutrient uptake through its carnivorous behavior, the pygmy sundew is missing the enzymes (nitrate reductase, in particular)) that plants normally use for the uptake of earth-bound nitrates.
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