There are more than 130 species of Sundew plants, which are divided into the six categories: Temperate, Queensland, Pygmy, Sub-Tropical Tuberous and Petiolaris. The Petiolaris, Queensland, and Tuberous sundews thrive in various conditions in Australia. Temperate sundews are dormant during the winter, while Sub-Tropical Sundews grow year-round. As the name implies, Pygmy Sundews are known for their diminutive stature.
The sundew needs constant sunlight and moisture. It grows in the wild in these conditions on every continent on Earth, except Antarctica. Africa and South America are home to about 20 species each, while only a few species live in Europe, Asia and North America. More than half of all known sundew species are in Australia. According to the Garden Helper, sundew plants also do well in terrariums as houseplants.
Because of their prevalence in Australia, the Australian aborigines used Sundew leaves to create dyes. Sundews also have medicinal properties. They have been used for medicinal purposes as far back as the 12th century. In the 20th century, doctors used them for formulas purported to cure bronchitis and tuberculosis among other things. According to AltMD, sundew plants have antimicrobial antibacterial properties, and they can relax the bronchial tree to soothe chronic coughing. A topical solution made from the sundew plant is also used to heal warts and corns.
This activity requires a couple of sheets of heavy 8.5 by 11 paper and pictures of different sundews. Cut the sheets of paper into quarters to create cards. Choose a few sundew plants representing each sundew genus and print the pictures. On one side of each card using the pictures you printed as a guide, draw a picture of the sundew. On the other side, write facts about the genus, such as where they are typically found and their distinguishing characteristics. Trade these cards with friends, give them away as gifts or place them in clear plastic sleeve sheets and display them in a binder.