Rhoicissus tridentata is a scrambling shrub, usually 1-3 metres high, with branches spreading outward from thick tuberous roots. The woody roots have bright blood-red pigments in the outer layer. The serrated, leathery leaves are dark green and glossy above, paler underneath, with or without velvety hairs on the veins. Leaves are variable in size and 3-foliolate. The wedge-shaped side leaflets have serrated margins. The small yellowish-green flowers are inconspicuous. Flowers are followed by small roundish berries which are red to black when ripe.