In Australia at least four forms have had or still have specific taxonomic recognition: Drosera peltata subsp.

While many tuberous sundews are ground-hugging rosettes, D. peltata is an upright species with a simple or branching inflorescence.

The colour of the plants is also highly variable, with D. foliosa generally bright grass green even when growing in direct sunlight, D. peltata subsp.

Drosera peltata is commonly found growing on frost free open flats with light scrub, in areas of regenerating forest, on grassy verges and roadside cuttings.

This species has a large range and various forms occur naturally in southern, eastern and south-west Australia, Tasmania, New Zealand (in Northland) as well as south-east Asia and India.

Due to its large range and varied habit, D. peltata has accumulated a number of synonyms and infraspecific taxa, including varieties and subspecies.

[5] Drosera foliosa differs from the nominal form of D. peltata in having a well-defined basal rosette of large, light green lunate leaves, and multi-branched shorter stems.

By contrast the nominal form of D. peltata has a less prominent basal rosette, and a single stem.

[4] Drosera gracilis is similar to the nominal form of D. peltata but smaller and with distinctly red stems and leaves.