Dioecious shrublet (male and female flowers on separate plants), from a woody base up to 60cm, usually with conspicuous black axillary buds. Leaves are small, stalkless (sessile), distinctly concave; flowers are axillary, cream-coloured, with males in pairs and female flowers solitary; ovary and fruits smooth or warty.

Greek: -oides = like an erica; referring to the plants erica-like leaves.