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Description
Drakaea Elastica, commonly known as the Hammer Orchid, is a unique and fascinating species of orchid native to Western Australia. It is a ground-dwelling orchid that is known for its specialized pollination mechanism, which involves attracting male thynnine wasps through the release of a pheromone that mimics the sex pheromone of female wasps. When the male wasp attempts to mate with the orchid, it is fooled into pollinating the flower.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Phylum: | Tracheophyta |
| Class: | Liliopsida |
| Order: | Asparagales |
| Family: | Orchidaceae |
| Genus: | Drakaea |
Appearance
Drakaea Elastica is a small, ground-dwelling orchid that typically grows to a height of around 25 cm. It has a single green or brownish-green leaf that grows from the base of the plant, and a single flower that emerges from the center of the leaf. The flower is typically brownish-red in color and has a distinctive hammer-like shape, with a wide, flat labellum that is used to attract and trap male thynnine wasps.
Care Guide
Drakaea Elastica is a relatively easy orchid to care for, but it does have some specific requirements. Here are some tips for keeping your Hammer Orchid healthy:- Water: Drakaea Elastica prefers to be kept moist, but not wet. Water it regularly, but make sure that the soil is well-draining to prevent the roots from rotting.- Fertilization: Fertilize your Hammer Orchid once a month during the growing season with a balanced orchid fertilizer.- Soil: Drakaea Elastica prefers a well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. Use a mix of peat moss, perlite, and bark to create a suitable growing medium.- Sunlight: Hammer Orchids prefer bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight, as this can burn the leaves and flowers.- Hardiness Zones: Drakaea Elastica is not frost-tolerant, and is best suited to warm, humid environments.
Common Pests & Diseases
Like all orchids, Drakaea Elastica is susceptible to a range of pests and diseases. Some of the most common problems include:- Spider mites: These tiny pests can cause yellowing and stippling of the leaves. Treat with an insecticidal soap or neem oil.- Mealybugs: These white, cottony pests can be found on the leaves and stems of the plant. Treat with rubbing alcohol or a systemic insecticide.- Root rot: Overwatering or poor drainage can cause the roots of the plant to rot. To prevent this, make sure that the soil is well-draining and that the plant is not sitting in standing water.
Habitat
Drakaea Elastica is native to Western Australia, where it is found growing in sandy or gravelly soils in open areas or under shrubs. It prefers warm, humid environments and is typically found in areas with a Mediterranean climate.
Question and Answer
Q: How often should I water my Drakaea Elastica?
A: Water your Hammer Orchid regularly, but make sure that the soil is well-draining to prevent the roots from rotting.
Q: Can I grow Drakaea Elastica indoors?
A: Yes, you can grow Hammer Orchids indoors as long as you provide them with bright, indirect light and a suitable growing medium.
Q: How do I fertilize my Drakaea Elastica?
A: Fertilize your Hammer Orchid once a month during the growing season with a balanced orchid fertilizer.
Q: What is the pollination mechanism of Drakaea Elastica?
A: Drakaea Elastica attracts male thynnine wasps through the release of a pheromone that mimics the sex pheromone of female wasps. When the male wasp attempts to mate with the orchid, it is fooled into pollinating the flower.
Related Plants
– Drakaea glyptodon- Drakaea isolata- Drakaea micrantha- Drakaea thynniphila
References
– “Drakaea elastica.” Australian Native Plants Society (Australia). https://anpsa.org.au/d-ela.html- “Drakaea.” Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drakaea
