Evergreen shrub or small tree up to 3m. Leaves divided into 3, (trifoliate), leaflets stalkless, obovate, tip round-toothed; male and female flowers on separate plants, cream-coloured. Fruits round, reddish-brown to dark-blue.

Common name Kraaibessie is used for many of the Searsia species and refers to the fruits (bessies) and may also refer to the fruits being eaten by crows (Afrik: kraai).