Mucilage Collection

Psyllium, Plantago psyllium. Handcoloured woodblock engraving of a botanical illustration from Adam Lonicer's
FLO4667664 Psyllium, Plantago psyllium. Handcoloured woodblock engraving of a botanical illustration from Adam Lonicer's Krauterbuch, or Herbal, Frankfurt, 1557

Greater musk-mallow, Malva alcea. Handcoloured woodblock engraving of a botanical illustration from Adam Lonicers Krauterbuch, or Herbal, Frankfurt, 1557

Psyllium, Plantago psyllium. Handcoloured woodblock engraving of a botanical illustration from Adam Lonicers Krauterbuch, or Herbal, Frankfurt, 1557

Blue Green Algae Nostoc C014 / 3088
Nostoc is a type of Blue Green Algae or Cyanobacteria. It consists of long strings of cells suspended in mucilage. To the naked rye it looks like blobs and folded sheets of green jelly

Nostoc C014 / 3089
Nostoc is a type of Blue Green Algae or Cyanobacteria. It consists of long strings of cells suspended in mucilage. To the naked rye it looks like blobs and folded sheets of green jelly

Portuguese Sundew (Drosophyllum lusitanicum) close-up of new leaves, glandular hairs on leaf with sticky mucilage, Portugal

Round-leaved Sundew (Drosera rotundifolia) glandular hairs on leaf with sticky mucilage, Italy, june

Common blue damselfly on a sundew leaf
Common blue damselfly (Enallagma cyathigerum) trapped on the leaf of an English sundew (Drosera anglica). Also known as the common bluet

Marshmallow (Althaea officinalis) in flower. Photographed in Dorset, England

Drosera rotundifolia digesting an insect
Common sundew (Drosera rotundifolia) leaf digesting a trapped insect. The hairs on the leaves of this carnivorous plant secrete a sticky substance that traps and digests passing insects

Marsh samphire stem, light micrograph
Marsh samphire stem. Light micrograph of a transverse section through the stem of a marsh samphire, (Salicornia europaea) plant. This is a succulent, xerophytic, halophyte plant

Eucalyptus stem, light micrograph
Eucalyptus stem. Light micrograph of a transverse section through a one-year-old stem of a Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus) plant

Round-leaved sundew, Drosera rotundifolia
Round-leaved sundew (Drosera rotundifolia). The hairs on the leaves of this carnivorous plant secrete a sticky substance that traps passing insects

Marsh Mallow (Althaea officinalis) in flower
ROG-13114 Marsh Mallow - in flower France Althaea officinalis Medicinal Bob Gibbons Please note that prints are for personal display purposes only and may not be reproduced in any way

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"Mucilage: Nature's Sticky Secret" Discover the fascinating world of mucilage, a sticky substance found in various plants and organisms. From the Greater musk-mallow to Psyllium, mucilage plays an essential role in their survival. In a vintage Army and Navy Stores Catalogue from 1939-40, one can find references to mucilage as it was used for various purposes during that time. But let's delve deeper into its natural origins. Imagine a Round-leaved Sundew leaf covered in glandular hairs with sticky mucilage glistening under the sun on lowland heathland. This carnivorous plant uses its trap-like structure to capture unsuspecting insects, providing vital nutrients for its growth. Moving on to Blue Green Algae Nostoc C014 / 3088 and Nostoc C014 / 3089, these microscopic organisms also produce mucilage. They form slimy colonies that can be found in diverse habitats like soil or water bodies. Now let's explore the Portuguese Sundew - Drosophyllum lusitanicum - where new leaves are adorned with glandular hairs secreting sticky mucilage. This unique adaptation helps this sundew species catch prey efficiently. Returning to our beloved Round-leaved Sundew (Drosera rotundifolia), we witness its incredible ability to ensnare insects using glandular hairs coated with sticky mucilage. Whether it be Italy or Derbyshire, England, these plants thrive by trapping unsuspecting flies for sustenance. The beauty of nature lies not only in grand landscapes but also within intricate details such as the round-leaved sundew's close-up view of glandular hairs oozing sticky mucilage. These stunning visuals can be witnessed at Hothfield Heathlands in Kent, England during August when these plants are at their prime. Mucilage serves as both a defense mechanism and a nutrient source for many organisms.