Drosera rotundifolia Round-leaved Sundew

An insectivorous perennial with small spoon-shaped leaves that are covered in sticky, tentacle-like glands. It grows on Sphagnum in bogs and fens, or on bare peat in wet heathland and also in flushes and even where there are permanently wet seepage channels in rocky places. It is largely a species of western and northern Britain and is common in suitable places throughout Wales. It has a scattered distribution in West Glamorgan where it is found frequently in sphagnum-dominated sites on the Gower Commons but is has declined in many areas in the South Wales Coalfield as a result of habitat loss. A remarkable, large population occurs in seepage areas in a wet quarry at the top of the Pelenna Valley in Neath Port Talbot. The leaves secrete a sugary, nectar-like substances that attracts insects which become trapped on the sticky tentacles. Enzymes, such as chitinases, proteases and glucanases are secreted by the glands which bring about the breakdone of the insect's exoskeleton and the body proteins (and glucans) releasing soluble organic nitrogen compounds (and carbohydrates) in the process.