Curio

State Library of New South Wales
No.1: ‘Viola’; No. 2: ‘Drosera’; No. 3: ‘Hyris bracteata’, 1788–91

No.1: ‘Viola’; No. 2: ‘Drosera’; No. 3: ‘Hyris bracteata’, 1788–91

Mitchell Library, State Library of NSW; Purchased from Murray Marks, London, 1911; PXD 17, f. 21

Watercolour

Droseras absorb the bodies of insects as a nutrient source.
There are around 500 species of Viola in the world.
Some species of Viola have fragrant blooms such as violets.
Droseras are the largest known range of carnivorous plants.
Common species of Viola are violets and pansies.
There are around 194 species of Drosera, 50% of these are found in Australia.
Violas are named after a lover of the Greek god Zeus.
All species of Viola have five petals. Flower colours include white, yellow and purple.
Drosera comes from the Greek word meaning ‘dewy’ and is commonly known as the Sundew.