Asparagus aethiopicus is a branching perennial herb with tough green aerial stems which are sparsely covered with spines.

Occurring in spring, the small white or pinkish-white flowers are 0.3–0.5 cm long and arise in clusters off the stem.

Its natural habitat is rocky shale slopes and coastal scrub, in relatively dry areas.

[15] It can be eradicated using various herbicides depending on the situation,[6][16] or manual removal of the woody crown found at the junction between the leaves and roots, the non-reproductive water storage tubers can be safely left in the ground to decompose.

[13] Consuming the berries of A. aethiopicus can cause gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting and abdominal pain, and contact with the skin may cause dermatitis.