The leaves of Cyphia volubilis are variable, sometimes lance-shaped, otherwise quite narrow and deeply lobed or dissected and with small teeth on the margins.
The flowers may be up to 2,5 cm long with the upper lobe split into three, each section or petal having small purple markings at the base that seem to vary across the distribution area. The lower lobe is also split, into two sections or petals.
Blooming occurs in late winter and spring (Manning, 2009; www.fernkloof.com; www.westfordbridge.co.za).