[1][2] It is cultivated as a houseplant; in commerce it is typically described as Stephania erecta.

The root or caudex is used medicinally in Vietnam; the 2006 Vietnam Red List of Medicinal Plants lists Stephania pierrei as a vulnerable species within the country.

[3] Stephania pierrei is an herbaceous perennial vine with an unusual woody caudiciform, a stem swollen in a spherical form and aesthetically resembling a potato in colour and texture, that can grow up to 30 cm (1 ft) in diameter.

[4] It sprouts long vines with small circular leaves with intricate mosaic veining.

This unusual appearance has made it a popular collector houseplant.