Species of the genus Dovyalis are dense, thorny plants growing to 3–6 m tall, with sharp, 3–6 cm long stem spines in the leaf axils.

Buds at the base of the spine produce clusters of alternately arranged simple ovate leaves 3–10 cm long.

The fruit is an edible, yellow to purple globose berry 2–4 cm diameter, containing several small seeds.

Some, notably D. abyssinica, are also grown as ornamental plants and as hedges, where the spines are valued for deterring intrusion by livestock or burglars.

The tropical apricot, or ketcot, is a hybrid between D. hebecarpa and D. abyssinica that was developed in Florida in 1953 and is cultivated for its fruit.