Small tree up to 5m, smaller at the coast; branchlets, petioles and young leaves are pink to red. Leaves thick, leathery and oval, about 5cm long with a shallow-notched point, shiny above and pale green below. Small fragrant flowers in compact clusters are creamy-white to yellowish, 3-4mm in diameter.

The orange-yellow fleshy fruits, about 10mm across, have 3 lobes, each lobe with characteristic 2-winged horns.

Latin: pteron = wings, feather, kelastros = holly; referring to the fruit having horns or wing-like outgrowths.

The common name Kersiehout is derived from the resemblance of the wood to that of the European Cherry (Afrik: kersie).