Aromatic, dense, single-stemmed leafy shrub up to 1.5m. Leaves are small and needle-like, oblong, tapering to a sharp point with finely serrated edges; sweet-smelling small flowers grow in the axils of the leaves, have abundant nectar. The aromatic leaves were used by fishermen to cleanse their hands of the unpleasant odour of red bait (Afrik: aas).

The common name Confetti Bush aptly describes the appearance of the bush in spring when it covers itself with confetti-like white blossom.