It grows as an understorey herb or climber in tropical forests in Central Africa.

Haumania liebrechtsiana is a perennial, rhizomatous, climbing plant that can grow to 10 m (33 ft) or more.

The long petiole sheaths the stem for most of its length and has a short calloused section just beneath the leaf blade.

The blade is ovate or oblong, up to 30 by 15 cm (12 by 6 in), with a rounded base and pointed tip.

The inflorescence is a raceme up to 10 cm (4 in) long, with a zigzag stem, bearing white, fragrant, bisexual flowers, with parts in threes.