Alafia lucida grows as a liana up to 45 metres (148 ft) long, with a stem diameter of up to 18 centimetres (7.1 in). Its fragrant flowers feature a yellow or cream corolla, dark red at the throat. Fruit is dark brown with paired cylindrical follicles, each up to 75 centimetres (30 in) in diameter. Habitat is forests, from sea-level to 2,000 metres (6,600 ft) altitude. Local medicinal uses include as a treatment for jaundice, eye problems and stomach complaints.