Hammer orchids are characterised by an insectoid labellum that is attached to a narrow, hinged stem, which holds it aloft.

Hammer orchids have a single thumbnail-sized, flat, heart-shaped, fleshy, ground-hugging leaf and a long, thin, wiry stem.

Hammer orchids are unique in that they are pollinated by a species of male thynnid wasp (Superfamily Vespoidea, Family Thynnidae).

When the flightless female wasps emerge, they climb a blade of grass, rub their legs together, release a pheromone and wait for males.

When a male is attracted by the pheromone-like scent released by the orchid and by its shape, it tries to fly away with the labellum, making the stem holding it move backwards.

[10][11] The common name (hammer orchid) refers to the shape of the labellum and the way it moves when the flower is being pollinated by a male insect.

[12] The genus name (Drakaea) honours Sarah ("Ducky") Drake,[9] a botanical artist who drew orchids and other plants to assist taxonomists in England in the 19th century.

[13] The ten species of Drakaea are all found within the south-west botanical province of Western Australia, between the Esperance and Geraldton districts.