Diospyros natalensis is a slow growing, much-branched, evergreen shrub or small to medium sized tree, from 6 to 10 m high. The stem is tall and straight, with slender, horizontally spreading branches; young twigs are covered in hairs. The bark is smooth and pale grey, but it may also become dark, and spotted with lichens. The leaves are alternate, very small, 10–36 × 5–20 mm, oval, thinly leathery, glossy dark green above and paler below, with hairs when young and hairless on both sides when matured; new leaves are brownish.

The flowers are small, white, 5 mm long, with reflexed petals, in spring to early summer (September to December).

Sexes are separate and are borne on different plants; male flowers are in cluster of 2 to 3 and female flowers are solitary in the axils of the leaves. Diospyros natalensis produces a yellowish to orange or red, acorn-like fruit with a sharp tip, that is held in a cup formed by the persistent calyx, in summer (November to April). The fruits are usually 1-seeded.

One subspecies is recognised: Diospyros natalensis subsp. nummularia, the granite jackal-berry or Lebombo jackal-berry, which is distinguished by its more rounded, smaller leaves, rarely more than 10 mm long; flower stalks that are covered in downy hairs; and fruit that is coral coloured with a saucer-shaped calyx.