Dovyalis zeyheri is a small to medium sized evergreen tree growing from 2 - 13 m. The stem can be single- or multi-stemmed. The bark is a light grey-brown,  becoming rough and flaking on older trees. Young branches are covered with hairs, and long, straight spines are usually present. These may reach up to 60 mm in length and make this plant a good choice for planting along a perimeter to prevent intruders from entering.

Spines are also a feature of Dovyalis caffra, the Kei apple, which is another member of this genus often grown as a barrier plant.  These two plants are fairly similar, but the fruits of the Kei apple are yellow, roundish and slightly larger than those of D. zeyheri.  The latter tends to grow into a tree, whereas the Kei apple usually remains bushy.  D. zeyheri also occurs naturally further north than D. caffra which is centred in the Eastern Cape region.

The leaves of D. zeyheri are glossy, dark green, alternate and have a leathery texture. Young leaves are soft and velvety. The flowers are small and greenish yellow. Male and female flowers are borne, from August to December, on separate trees. The fruits are found only on female trees. They are bright orange and oval in shape with a velvety texture. They reach up to 25 mm long and appear from November to May.