Both Drosera burmanni and Drosera sessilifolia are members of the subgenus Thelocalyx, and both are characterized by a 5 part gynoecium, that is, the ovary is in 5 parts vs 3 parts as is common for most droserae. This fact alone indicates that these species are very ancient forms. The differences between the two may be seen mainly in the shape of the stigma: in burmanii this divides, and these divisions in turn split. Drosera sessilifolia has a fan shaped stigma.
Experiments by Ivan Snyder have shown that the 2 species do, in fact, hybridize, and the resulting seed is fertile. This is another example of how closely related the two species are.
Drosera sessilifolia is native to Brazil and Venezuela. Seeds which I sent out are from collection made in Cerrado do Guimaraes, Brazil. The plants habitat there is a boggy grassland Chaparral and the plants are found usually in the lower altitudes. This seed was originally a gift from the Liberec Botanical gardens, from friend and colleuge Dr. Miroslav Studnicka. Although this plant has been called the burmanni (joseph, did I spell it right this time) of Brazil, I find it to be very distinct in appearance when compared with burmanni, most notably in regards to the architecture of the scapes and the number of flowers. Seed is not produced in abundance as is typical for burmanni, but when it is produced in my experience has a short viability, and is best sown without storage. I now have a good crop of plants in cultivation, and look forward to sharing seed as soon (you listening Zach?) as it is produced. I currently have 3 forms in cultivation, so it appears this species is as variable as burmanni across it's range.
Larry,
have the plants flowered for you yet? Seems like I placed the seed of this in good hands! With germination success like you have had I will for sure be placing some more rare material into your hands!
Experiments by Ivan Snyder have shown that the 2 species do, in fact, hybridize, and the resulting seed is fertile. This is another example of how closely related the two species are.
Drosera sessilifolia is native to Brazil and Venezuela. Seeds which I sent out are from collection made in Cerrado do Guimaraes, Brazil. The plants habitat there is a boggy grassland Chaparral and the plants are found usually in the lower altitudes. This seed was originally a gift from the Liberec Botanical gardens, from friend and colleuge Dr. Miroslav Studnicka. Although this plant has been called the burmanni (joseph, did I spell it right this time) of Brazil, I find it to be very distinct in appearance when compared with burmanni, most notably in regards to the architecture of the scapes and the number of flowers. Seed is not produced in abundance as is typical for burmanni, but when it is produced in my experience has a short viability, and is best sown without storage. I now have a good crop of plants in cultivation, and look forward to sharing seed as soon (you listening Zach?) as it is produced. I currently have 3 forms in cultivation, so it appears this species is as variable as burmanni across it's range.
Larry,
have the plants flowered for you yet? Seems like I placed the seed of this in good hands! With germination success like you have had I will for sure be placing some more rare material into your hands!
