Vepris reflexa is a small tree up to 2–6 m tall. The trunk consists of stiff, erect branches and smooth, grey bark with fine cracks. The leaflets are leathery, drooping, more or less folded upwards along midrib and shortly stalked; the margins are entire, and unlike Vepris lanceolata, which has wavy margins with a sharp tip. The leaves smell like lemon when crushed. The middle leaflet has a longer stalk than side-leaflets.

The flowers are in short, axillary heads, small, greenish yellow. The fruits are orange-red, round and fleshy, with dotted glands. The buds open after the first rain (July–December).