Capparis lucida, commonly referred to as the coast caper, is a versatile plant that often grows as a small tree or a shrub, usually reaching heights of 3 to 4 meters.

Both the petioles (the stalk attaching the leaf to the stem) and twigs are covered in fine, soft hairs.

The petals are white or pale, about 15 to 20 mm long, and there are a striking number of stamens (the pollen-producing parts) — anywhere from 50 to 85.

Each seed is around 6 mm long and has a unique spiraled embryo with folded cotyledons (the first leaves of the seedling).

By the tenth leaf stage, the leaves become more oval, and the plant develops straight, spiny stipules (small leaf-like structures) about 4 to 7 mm long.