Stachys aethiopica displays its hairiness along the margins of the upper lip of the corolla (moustache?), while the lower one seems hairless (protruding chin?). The lateral lobes of the lower lip spread horizontally like arms, the central one far forward.

There are tiny dark spots inside the base of the lower lip, as well as a dark fold line. The oblong anthers are purple with pale patches, positioned high, close to the upper lip. It is easy to associate these flowers with the Lamiaceae family.

The leaves curve down towards their pointed tips, their surfaces coarse. Leaf colour is darker green above than below. The leaf margin seems to be coarsely uneven, rather than toothed. The visible stems are thin and purple (Manning, 2007).