Dicliptera clinopodia is a fairly hardy shrublet with glossy, dark green leaves that grows on the edges of forests. Sometimes it is a bit straggly. It bears whorls of two-lipped pink, magenta or purple flowers. The central section of the upper lip is whitish with scattered dark markings on its inner surface. The anthers are dark pink or purple, similar in colour to the corolla. The style is white and longer than the stamens.

It is a lovely addition to a semi-shady part of the garden. The flowers attract insects and thus birds to the garden.