What is the clear and red dots on the end of a sundew plant and what to they do?

Answer 1

Sundews are characterised by the glandular tentacles, topped with sticky secretions, that cover their laminae.

The trapping and digestion mechanism usually employs two types of glands: stalked glands that secrete sweet mucilage to attract and ensnare insects and enzymes to digest them, and sessile glands that absorb the resulting nutrient soup.

Small prey, mainly consisting of insects, are attracted by the sweet secretions of the peduncular glands.

Upon touching these, however, they become entrapped by sticky mucilage which prevents their progress or escape. Eventually, the prey either succumb to death through exhaustion or through asphyxiation as the mucilage envelops them and clogs their spiracles.

Death usually occurs within one quarter of an hour.

The plant meanwhile secretes esterase, peroxidase, phosphatase and protease enzymes.

These enzymes both dissolve the insect and free the contained nutrients.

The nutrient soup is then absorbed through the leaf surface and can then be used to help fuel plant growth.


All species of sundew are able to move their tentacles in response to contact with digestible prey.

The tentacles are extremely sensitive and will bend toward the center of the leaf in order to bring the insect into contact with as many stalked glands as possible.

See the pictures , click the links --
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Drosera_derbyensis_ne1.JPG
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Drosera_capensis_bend.JPG

Answer 2

"Sundew leaves have numerous tiny tentacle-like projections. At the end of each is a mucilaginous secretory gland. This gland secretes a droplet of sparkling fluid which gives the plant its dew-drop appearance. Insects, upon being attracted to the plant through odor and color, become stuck to the mucilage. With this stimulus, the tentacles begin to slowly enclose the victim. And later, in about an hour, the entire leaf itself may be bent over its prey. It has been found that these plants only respond to objects of nutritional value and not to sand, paper, or water"

http://carnivorousplant.info/id15.htm