Metalasia muricata bush is a greyish, rounded, sturdy shrub, 2-4 m tall, that is found in coastal to mountainous regions of southern Africa. Although not formally divided into subspecies, there are a number of different forms occurring in different areas of its wide geographical distribution.

The leaves are alternate, needle-like, 6-18 mm long, scattered, sharp-tipped, green-grey and smooth or woolly. The honey-scented flowers vary in colour from common white to pink or purple. Full bloom is in winter in terminal clusters up to 60 mm diam. The fruit is a ribbed nutlet with a bristly pappus. The white or greyish main stem bark is sometimes not visible as it is obscured by the many dense branches.