This scrambling shrub or canopy climber is robust with the young stems, leaves and even spines covered in dense velvety, yellow hairs, with hard, paired, hooked spines. The leaves are greyish-olive green leaves that grow between spines, can be smooth or hairy with the margin rolled under, a hairlike tip and situated on a velvety stalk.
The scented, pinkish-white flowers are produced in masses in terminal clusters from August to November.
The fruit that follows from September to March, are large, hanging on stout stalks and contain many seeds. The fruit changes from green to orange when ripe.
The plant is used medicinally and is believed to have magical properties. The leaves are browsed by mammals and the fruit are enjoyed by monkeys, birds and bushpigs.
Size: 1 - 15 m