Operculicarya pachypus is just a small, deciduous, pachycaul tree. It tends to remain compact, Dioscorea elephantipes with the trunk growing in a conical shape and appears like a strange bonsai tree. The branches are glabrous, zig-zagged, and its roots often swell to create unique, and twisted design. The green leaves are extremely tiny, which work proportionately for that bonsai look. The flowers are small, yellow-green, and appear in late winter.