A herbaceous shrublet with a contorted shape, that grows up to about 500 mm tall. The thin stems are covered with very small leathery leaves, which are closely spaced to one another.

Flowers are star-like, purple to mauve, with dark purple streaks and a yellow throat. Each flower appears on its own at the tip of a pedicel, and each will normally produce more than one flower.

Flowering occurs sporadically throughout the year (January to December). Jamesbrittenia microphylla is relatively fast growing and not long lived.