[1][2][3][4][5] The epithet ophiocephala is derived from the Greek words ὄφις, ophis (snake) and κεφαλή, kephalē (head).

Restrepiella ophiocephala grows from a short, creeping rhizome as a tufted, robust epiphyte to a length between 8 and 35 cm.

The stout, cylindrical stem is erect and about 15 cm long and has a tubular bract.

They have a pale yellowish-brown color, dotted with dull purple spots.

It occurs in damp forests alongside rivers at low altitude (40-1,600 m).