"Diselma archeri" is a compact, prostrate shrub which commonly reaches 1–4 m in height but has been recorded to reach greater heights in subalpine rainforest zones. The foliage has a grey-green appearance with branchlets curving downward at their tips. Branches are short, ridged and very numerous. Branchlet foliage appears square in cross-section and scale-like leaves (2–3 mm) are overlapping and arranged in opposite decussate pairs which are pressed close to the stem. The square leaf arrangement is similar to that of "Microcachrys tetragona" (Podocarpaceae) (creeping pine) and the two species can easily be confused. However, "M. tetragona" lives up to its name and grows low to the ground, spreading out with only occasional erect branches. Another species which can be confused with "Diselma" is "Phaerosphaera hookeriana" (previously known as "Microstrobos niphophilus" ) which is also part of the family Podocarpaceae. Both these species have a similar growth habit and distribution, however, the opposite pairs of leaves on "D. archeri" again make it distinguishable from the other species.