This species is widespread and rather commonly encountered, and characterized by small triangular stipules; rather small, shortly petiolate leaves; cymose, rather lax inflorescences borne at the apex and in the upper axils of the stems; small calyx lobes; small funnelform corollas; and small fruits.
Danais microcarpa is similar to Danais rhamnifolia, but Puff & Buchner distinguished the latter by its cylindrical corollas and generally longer or at least broader leaves. Danais microcarpa is very similar to and sometimes difficult to separate from Danais ligustrifolia, which is found often at lower elevations and often has larger leaves.