Roridula gorgonias is one of two species in the genus Roridula, both of which are endemic to the cape area of South Africa. The true carnivory of these plants has been hotly debated amongst botanists as they don’t produce any digestive enzymes like other carnivorous plants do. Instead they have a symbiotic relationship with a few species of assassin bugs, which can traverse the immensely sticky leaves with impunity. The assassin bugs attack any other poor insect that becomes stuck on the leaves, feeding on them and then leaving their droppings on the surface of the leaf for the plant to absorb. Why produce metabolically costly digestive enzymes when you can outsource prey digestion entirely? Note: if your home growing space doesn’t happen to be populated with a few hyperendemic species of assassin bugs, a dilute foliar orchid fertilizer is a fine substitute. The available plants are seed grown and well established.
