Dovyalis rhamnoides is an evergreen shrub or a small tree 1-7 m high. It has grey brown bark and is well known for the spines on the stem and close by the leaves. The plant is hairy when still young but leaves are glabrous or shiny later. Leaves are simple and oval shaped.

The flowers are tiny creamy green and male and female flowers odccur on different trees i.e. the plants are dioecious. Male flowers are more attractive displaying many stamens.

Female trees bear red oval berry fruits which are relished by birds. Unripe fruits are a shiny green before they ripen. Fruits are not produced each year. does not produce fruit every year.