Late hammer orchid facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Late hammer orchid |
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|---|---|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Drakaea
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| Species: |
confluens
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The Drakaea confluens, also known as the late hammer orchid, is a special type of orchid. It grows only in the south-west part of Western Australia. Like other hammer orchids, it has a very clever way of getting pollinated. It tricks a specific type of male thynnid wasp into helping it. The orchid's labellum (a special petal) looks and smells just like a female thynnid wasp that cannot fly.
This orchid was first found in 1930, but scientists didn't officially describe it until 2007. It is quite rare, found in only three areas in Western Australia. Because it's so rare, the Australian government has listed it as "endangered," and the Western Australian government calls it "threatened." This means it needs special protection to survive.
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What Does the Late Hammer Orchid Look Like?
The late hammer orchid is similar to other hammer orchids. It has one leaf that lies flat on the ground and a special underground part called a tuber. The leaf is shaped like a heart, about 20 mm (less than an inch) wide. It's a dull blue-grey color with darker green lines and clear veins on top. You might also see tiny bumps on its surface.
The stem of the orchid grows to be about 15 to 30 cm (6 to 12 inches) tall. Each stem holds a single flower, and the stalk of this flower is about 10 to 12 mm (less than half an inch) long.
The Orchid's Unique Flower
The flower of the late hammer orchid also looks like other hammer orchids. Its labellum looks like a female thynnid wasp that can't fly. However, you can tell this orchid apart by the colors on its labellum. The "head" and part of the "body" of the wasp-like labellum are light green with darker spots. The very end of the "body" is a dark maroon color.
The three outer parts of the flower (called sepals) and the two inner parts (called petals) are all about 9 to 11 mm (about half an inch) long. The head-like top of the labellum is quite hairy and has two dark bumps at its base. These orchids usually bloom from September to November, depending on where they are growing.
How Did the Late Hammer Orchid Get Its Name?
The Drakaea confluens was first found and collected near a place called Gnowangerup by Mrs. P. Andrews in 1930. After that, no one collected it again until 1982, near Boyup Brook.
Scientists Stephen Hopper and Andrew Brown officially described this species in 2007. They published their description in a science journal called Australian Systematic Botany. The name "confluens" comes from a Latin word meaning "running together" or "joining." This name was chosen because the labellum of this orchid seems to be a mix between the labellum shapes of two other hammer orchids: the D. livida and the D. elastica.
Where Does the Late Hammer Orchid Live?
The late hammer orchid is only found in three separate areas in Western Australia. These areas are the Boyup Brook district, Stirling Range National Park, and Porongurup National Park. It likes to grow in sandy soil within shrubland (areas with many bushes) or woodland (areas with trees).
Protecting the Late Hammer Orchid
The government of Western Australia's Department of Parks and Wildlife calls this orchid "threatened." This means it might become extinct, or it's very rare and needs special care. The Australian Government also lists it as "endangered" under a law called the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act.
There are several things that threaten the survival of the late hammer orchid. These include human activities like road work, outdoor sports, and building new developments. It also faces problems from plants and animals that don't belong there, such as weeds and wild animals. Another big threat is a plant disease called dieback disease. Protecting this special orchid is very important.
