Tangled shrublet up to 50cm. Leaves narrow spreading; bears small pink star-shaped flowers with a tube 3-5mm long that is constricted above the ovary; fruits are fleshy, bright red berries.

An infusion of the aerial parts of this species was traditionally used to purify the blood for the internal treatment of piles or haemorrhoids; 'aambeie' -Afrikaans term for piles or haemorrhoids.