QuestionI have recently read that Drosera multifida extrema has to be cross pollinated with another plant. I currently own a giant staghorn and cape sundew. Can the Cape sundew accept cross pollination from a giant staghorn sundew, or is it just a waste of time.
AnswerHi Brandon,
Drosera binata types do tend to need to be cross-pollinated to produce seed. Some of the smaller temperate forms of binta, like the ones from New Zealand, have more ability to self-pollinate. (They become weeds in collections sometimes.) Whether or not they can hybridize with D. capensis, I'm not sure of. You would need to do a little research. If the plants have the same chromosome number, then they may be able to hybridize.
In general sundews don't easily hybridize. If they did you would see more hybrids for sale considering they are much faster to propagate than pitcher plants. The hybrids that do exist are often sterile.
Good Growing!
Jeff Dallas
Sarracenia Northwest
http://www.cobraplant.com
