Slender to robust, few-branched shrub up to 2m. Leaves bipinnate, smooth below, leaflets rhomboid to obovate, toothed, sometimes 3-lobed; small flowers yellow, in large orbicular, compound umbels; fruits elliptic to rotund.

Severe  blistering of skin can occur on contact with bruised leaves.

Greek: boubon = an inflamed swelling; referring to the blistering of the skin after contact with the leaves of this species.