This species is a short rhizomatous shrub that is found as a native plant but also cultivated, rather informally in general, for its roots. These are a rich source of the vomitory drug ipecac. (This compound is found in several other species, notably Ronabea emetica, and the identification of these species is sometimes confused due to their similar economic use.) Carapichea ipecacuanha can be recognized by the combination of this habit, its interpetiolar stipules that are well developd and divided into a number of narrowly triangular lobes, and its terminal or pseudoaxillary pedunculate inflorescences that are capitate and enclosd in well developed bracts. The pyrenes are unusual in being twisted longitudinally, similarly to those of species of Geophila. Ronabea emetica can be separated by its narrowly triangular stipules and regularly axillary inflorescences (i.e., one in each axil at the node).
Oliveira et al. (2010) found this species to have a markedly fragmented distribution with different levels of genetic and chemical diversity in different populations. Carmargo de Assis & Giulietti (1999) studied its morphology in Brazil, and Rodrigues et al. (1995) its phenology. The name Calicocca ipecacuanha was typified by Boer & Thulin (2005) who also reviewed the history of the pharmaceutical use of this species. The name Cephaelis bearii Linden may also apply to this species, but is not older. Some authors have not accepted the transfer of this species from Psychotria (e.g., Silva et al., 2019).