Yellowis-green, densely-felted shrub up to 1m; spines up to 12mm, straight or slightly curved. Leaves ovate, rarely spiny up to 8mm long; flowers few in clusters, mauve or purple.

Berries globose, bright scarlet when ripe, up to 20mm in diameter.

The berries of this species were believed to be as poisonous as snake venom, hence common name Slangappelbos (Afrik: slang = snake).