From the southern and southwestern part of the island of Madagascar, Uncarina grandidieri is closely related to Uncarina decaryi and in some ways represents a dwarf form of that species with a larger caudex and shorter trunk. The leaves are broad, 3- to 5-lobed, and pubescent. The flowers are bright yellow with a brownish purple throat, and the fruit has harpoon-like barbs that stick like velcro. These plants are seedlings in 8-inch pots.