What is the Hammer Orchid?

Hammer orchids are generally found in sandy soil in clearings in forest areas and around winter wet areas. An exception is the Slender Hammer Orchid, which is sometimes found in mossy ironstone clearings. Drakaea species grow from 10-60cm high on a thin wiry stem with flowers up to 4cm across. They are often difficult to see, as they blend in among the shrubs they grow in. However, hammer orchids often recolonize sandy tracks in the forest and can sometimes be found in very large numbers. They are often found growing with Duck Orchids, which also prefer sandy soils. The hammer orchid produces a dummy female wasp on a stem attached to a hinge that will only bend one way—the only way that will allow the orchid to be pollinated. At just the right time the orchid releases the pheromone of the female wasp. Many times the male wasp is fooled by the dummy female on the orchid and tries to carry it away. In the process, the male wasp is thrown back into the pollen of the orchid and pollen sticks to its back. When the wasp gives up and flies away the process is repeated at another orchid but this time when the wasp is thrown backward the pollen on its back pollinates that orchid. This apparently is the only way the hammer orchid can be pollinated. If this process does not work the hammer orchid will become extinct.

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