Cynanchum africanum is a climber with opposite, ovate leaves that show tiny pointed protrusions at the leaf tips in this picture. The leaves are shiny, bright to yellowish green and slightly fleshy, exuding milky latex when damaged. The stems are purplish and finely hairy.

The axillary, stalked clusters of fragrant flowers have inconspicuous spreading and twisted petals in shades of green and brown. What catches the eye is the white, cup-shaped corona in the flower centre above the petals. The margin of the corona has tiny pointed lobes, erect or spreading. Flowering comes in winter, lasting until midsummer.

This plant was seen near Grotto Bay on the west coast in August (Manning, 2007; iSpot).