This species is characterized by its relatively large leaves, axillary and terminal, shortly branched inflorescences with several small flower heads, medium-sized flowers, and medium-sized fruits of unknown color. Appunia venezuelensis is similar to Appunia tenuiflora; these were separated by Steyermark based on the presence in Appunia tenuiflora of appendices on the anthers, vs. anthers that are unappendaged in Appunia venezuelensis.