[2] Leichhardtia suaveolens grows as a vine in forest or small upright shrub in heathland,[3] reaching 1 m (3 ft) high.

[3] The specific epithet suaveolens is from Latin, and it refers to the uniquely sweet scented flowers.

[6] In 1810, this species first appeared in scientific literature, in the Prodromus Florae Novae Hollandiae, authored by the prolific Scottish botanist, Robert Brown.

[5] It grows in wet sclerophyll forest in association with such species as turpentine (Syncarpia glomulifera), Sydney peppermint (Eucalyptus piperita) and blackbutt (E. pilularis), generally on sandy alluvial soils.

[3] Leichhardtia suaveolens resprouts after bushfire, and has been recorded setting fruit five months after a burn.