The plants are 50–150 cm tall shrubs. The branching angle is relativelywide. In the first few years the stems are covered in densetrichomes, which lead to the impression of a round stem. However the stems are edged underneath. With age the stems become greyish brown, shiny and rugose. The firm, waxy leaves, which only have a lifespan of one year, are grouped at the apex of branches. They are obovate and have a toothed margin. The apical leaves envelop the singular, terminal, sessile inflorescences. The capitulum is 5–7 mm wide in male plants and 4–7.5 mm wide in female plants.