Back to Show
The Green Planet
The Orchid that Pretends It's A Wasp
The Hammer Orchid does not look like a flower and has no nectar but also needs to attract a pollinator. This plant's strategy is to synchronize with the mating season of the thynnid wasp, attracting males by emitting a similar scent to that of the female. And since the orchid looks similar to the female, the male it attempts to mate with it.
Support Provided By
Unlock with PBS Passport
55:55
Sir David Attenborough discovers amazing water plants, some of which can count and hunt.