Isolated populations have distinct size variations; for example, those found just to the north of Mutare appear to be larger than those just to the south (separated by deep valleys).

Males, being slightly smaller, having a distinct penial swelling at the base of the tail, and a greener throat with a row of defining white or yellow tubercle spots, are relatively easy to distinguish from females.

C. dilepis is rare, found in low, probably transitory population densities at the altitudes inhabited by R. marshalli, preferring the sunnier grasslands and forest margins.

The patches of relict montane forest found in the Nyanga, Bvumba, Himalaya and Chimanimani Mountains are the primary habitats.

Marked specimens surveyed over a long time appeared not to travel far at all, usually less than 15 m.[4] Rhampholeon marshalli seems to inhabit the subcanopy and leaf litter of the relict cloud forests.

In the rains (November to March), Marshall's leaf chameleon lays a small clutch of embryonated eggs that hatch quickly.

However, the tiny relic cloud forest patches are under constant threat from excessive collection of firewood and clearance for coffee, tea and protea plantations.