A twining, rootless parasite with yellowish stems which attach themselves by means of suckers to the host plant. Sessile, yellowish-white flowers are produced in dense clusters in the axils of the scale-like leaves; fleshy fruits are red or yellow berries and enjoyed by birds.

The common name 'Nooienshaar' is said to be an allusion to the fact that a hair-restorer or hair-wash was made from an infusion or decoction of the plant in the belief that its application would cause hair growth (Afrik: haar).

The coiled up, unruly masses of the plant often hang down in cascades hence the common name 'Devil's Tresses'.