Psychotria capensis is a small tree or shrub that has rather slender stems and horizontal branches. If kept pruned it makes a dense and rounded shrub.
The elliptical, leathery leaves are glossy and significantly veined, not unlike laurel but not so thick.
Panicles of small yellow flowers are produced in spring through to summer which are followed by red fruits that turn black with age.
These are frost tender plants that need warm conditions.