A kerosene/capsicum-smelling shrub or small tree, growing up to 10m tall, with whitish, branching soft-woody stems. All parts covered in dense felt-like hairs. The large velvety, oval leaves are grey-green on the upper surface, and white to yellowish underneath with prominent ‘ears’ at base which clasp the stem. Produces dense clusters of mauve to purple flowers with yellow anthers, followed by clusters of round berries (1 cm diameter) that ripen from hard green to soft, dull yellow.