Flower stalk and sepals are covered with glandular hairs. The whole genus Stylidium is notable for its jointed hammer-like column, formed from jointed stamens, style and stigma. Insects landing on the flower probe deeply into it with their tongues, triggering the movement of the column which transfers pollen to their backs or receives pollen, so ensuring cross pollination. The trigger and column reset slowly. Widespread from sea level to montane and found in all eastern States.
Propagation is from seed and can be fairly long-lived under garden conditions.
The genus has its stronghold in Western Australia where there are more than a hundred species, some of which form into strange-looking plants with a confused tangle of wiry stems and equally unusual flowers. Tasmania has only the one perennial species, but there are three others which are tiny annuals. These survive for only a few months in places which are wet in spring and dry out in summer. Hop Bush Sapindaceae Erect bushy shrub 5 metres by 1.5 dia. or more. Leaves oblong or spathulate, shiny green or reddish and sticky.