Fauna
Plant

Fly Bush

Roridula gorgonias

Also known as Gorgon's Dewstick, Fly Catcher Bush, Vliegbos

Gorgon's dewstick forms woody, branching shrubs in peaty fynbos seeps, its narrow leaves coated in gland-tipped hairs that produce exceptionally sticky, non-water-soluble resin. Because the foliage lacks digestive enzymes, the plant relies on a specialized mutualistic capsid bug, Pameridea roridulae, which walks freely across the glue to consume trapped prey and excretes nutrient-rich waste absorbed through the plant's cuticle. Between July and October, terminal spikes of vibrant pinkish-purple to white blossoms open, relying on buzz pollination by solitary carpenter bees.

ProtocarnivorousEndemicFynbos
Fly Bush reference1 / 7
(c) Brian du Preez, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), uploaded by Brian du Preez · cc-by-sa
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VulnerableConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXVulnerableRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyFlying insects, Spiders, Small beetles
Predators
  • Herbivorous caterpillars
  • Browsing duikers
ThreatsInvasive alien vegetation, habitat fragmentation, and inappropriate fire intervals
HabitatsMontane peaty seeps, moist sandstone slopes, and coastal fynbos
Life span10–20 years
Classification
  1. FamilyRoridulaceae
  2. SpeciesRoridula gorgonias
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Safe to observe at a normal distance.
What to notice
Recognizable by erect woody stems topped with dense clusters of narrow, glistening, reddish-tentacled leaves and pink blossoms.
Support conservation
Observe exclusively from established walking trails and never collect wild specimens or disturb the resident bug colonies.
Responsible observation
  • Look for Mutualists: Inspect the sticky leaves with a hand lens to spot the resident Pameridea bugs.
  • Tread Carefully: Stay on designated mountain paths to avoid crushing delicate peat seep habitats.
  • Avoid Touching: Refrain from brushing against foliage, as the natural resin is difficult to clean from gear.
Related species
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