Distichophyllum spp. typically have overlapping leaves which are flattened along a single plane (i.e complanate). When dry, the leaves appear wrinkled or crisped at the margins. Distinguishing of species is best done by examining details of the leaf margins microscopically although D. pulchellum appears to be by far the most common..

Members of Distichophyllum strongly resemble Achrophyllum but the leaves of Distichophyllum differs in having smaller or no teeth on the margins.