Pyrenacantha malvifolia has an above ground swollen and thickened caudex with a diameter up to 1.5 metres (4 ft 11 in).

On the top of the caudex emerge some vine-like stems with green round shaped leaves.

These vines in native habitat can reach 9–15 metres (30–49 ft).

This species can be found in central and eastern Africa, in Somalia, Ethiopia, Kenya and Tanzania.

This plant grows in the African tropical semi-desert (usually on hill-sides).