Orchids in the genus Diuris are terrestrial, perennial, deciduous, sympodial herbs, usually with a few inconspicuous, fine roots and one or two tubers lacking a protective sheath.

The petals are different from the sepals, having a narrow base with the main part widely expanded, in the form of donkey ears.

[3][4][5][6] The genus Diuris was first formally described in 1798 by James Edward Smith and the description was published in Transactions of the Linnean Society of London.

[3] The scientific name is derived from the Greek dis meaning 'double' and oura, 'tail', referring to the two narrow lateral sepals.

[2] Donkey orchids occur in all Australian states, but not the Northern Territory with one species (D. fryana) found in Timor.

[3] Donkey orchids are coloured like flowers that attract pollinating insects such as wasps, bees and flies but no Diuris produce nectar and very few have a scent.