Rounded grey looking shrub up to 1m, resprouting from a fire resistant rootstock. Leaves are oblong, 3-5mm long, incurved at the ends and with minute hairs on the upper surface; bears small cream-coloured flowers in globular heads 15-20mm in diameter.

The common name Volstruisies alludes to the fancied resemblance of the flowerheads to a brood of ostrich chicks. Vaalstompie refers to the stumps that usually remain after the woody shrubs have been burned by fire.