This species is characterized by a low habit; medium-sized leaves; fleshy triangular stipules;l inflorescences with well developed peduncles that are generally longer than the pyramidal cymose portion; fruits that become yellow then red and then black when mature; and flattened pyrenes with a well developed medial abaxial ridge. The peduncle characteristically elongate markedly as the inflorescences and then the fruits develop. The immature, bright red fruits remain on the infructescences as they mature, then apparently turn black rapidly and are quickly removed by dispersers, so the fully mature stage is rarely documented. This species was incorrectly reported by Taylor (2001) as ranging to Bolivia, but it has not been confirmed south of northwestern Ecuador in that region. 

Notopleura uliginosa is perhaps the most commonly encountered distinct species of the genus. It is similar to Notopleura tapajozensis and Notopleura fenandezii, but confused regularly with mamy other Notopleura species.