Drosera neocaledonica

The only Drosera in New Caledonia, and one of just two species in the entire genus that grows exclusively on ultramafic soils. These are the rust-red laterite soils weathered from nickel-bearing rock, rich in heavy metals and toxic to most plants. The other ultramafic specialist, D. ultramafica, lives thousands of kilometres away in the Philippines. One of its old synonyms, D. ferraria (from Latin for "iron"), says it plainly.

Found mainly in the South Province of the main island Grande Terre, concentrated around the Grand Massif du Sud. It grows from sea level up to about 1200 m in maquis shrubland, marshy prairies, along stream banks and on rock ledges near waterfalls. Plants sometimes grow permanently submerged in clear streams. Locals call it gobe-mouche, flycatcher.

A stem-forming species with rosettes up to 6 cm across on stems that can reach 12 cm over several years. The white-haired petioles and red leaf blades give it a striking two-tone look. Flowers are pink, from July to December.