The盆才怪 has a petite build, with three small twigs atop its head, each bearing round, green leaves. Between its two eyes is a tiny yellow spot. It also has tiny legs and a tiny mouth, and there’s a hole at the base of its body that resembles a drainage pore.

The盆才怪 is extremely sensitive to water and inhabits dry, rocky, exposed environments; if its body becomes too moist, it will die. Although it appears to be constantly crying, it is actually excreting excess moisture to maintain internal hydration balance—its sweat composition is similar to human perspiration. Its sweat is slightly salty, while its tears have a faintly bitter taste. The sight of it shedding tears evokes sympathy in all who see it and may even lull enemies into a false sense of security. Because its surroundings are sparsely vegetated, it stands out conspicuously. The drier the air, the more its green “spheres” take on a muted sheen.