This species is charcterized by a low, habit, with weak to prostrate branches from a woody root or underground stem; rather small, hirsute to strigose, narrow, elliptic to lanceolate leaves; several-flowered inflorescences; 4-merous flowers, a funnelform, purple to blue corolla 10-16 mm long; and obovoid fruits with 3-4 mericarps. The leaves generally have revolute margins. The mericarps are obovoid in outline, and abaxially smooth overall with hispid pubescence. Adaxially they have a broad smooth face. This species is only known from a few collections. 

Richardia ganderae is similar to Richardia tricocca, which is more common and widespread. Richardia tricocca differs in its shorter corollas, 3-7 mm long.