Glossy Leaf Hammer Orchid Recovery Project
Our region supports one of the largest remnant populations of the Glossy Leaf Hammer Orchid
Photo Credit: Andrew Crawford, DBCA
Our region supports one of the largest remnant populations of the Glossy Leaf Hammer Orchid (Drakea elastica). With few scattered populations, the species is listed as endangered on the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act). Perth NRM delivered the project in partnership with Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions and installed a 1.3km long limestone ‘green bridge’ near the population. The bridge acts as a protective barrier for the Banksia woodlands and the orchid itself.
Green bridges are a thick limestone layer installed over the top of a track where it crosses a Phytopthora cinnamomi (dieback) infestation. The limestone deters the spread of dieback due to its alkalinity, and the free draining and stable surface reduces the risk of soil and water contact and potential dieback transfer across the reserve.
Perth NRM received support for this project through funding from the Australian Government’s National Landcare Program.