In Vitro Propagation of Drosera indica L. An Endangered Insectivorous Plant

Drosera indica L. is a threatened and endangered insectivorous plant. While there are successful tissue-culture protocols for a number of Drosera species, this is the first successful protocol for D. indica L. using stem segments as explants. Multiple shoots of D. indica was obtained in MS media supplemented with 5x10-7M 6-benzyl-amino purine and 2 x 10-7M napthaleneacetic acid. Rooting was obtained in 2 x 10-7M a-Napthoxyacetic acid. Under controlled conditions, the plantlets were successfully hardened. Re-introduction of plantlets back into their natural environment in the forests is presently underway.