It has purplish spreading branches and slightly velvety leaves, similar to those on a tomatillo. The Cape gooseberry is wrapped in a thin, straw-coloured, parchment-like husk.
Cape gooseberries are high in vitamins A and C, thiamin, riboflavin, and niacin. The ripe fruits also have a concentration of beta-carotene, calcium, iron, phosphorus, potassium, bioflavonoids, protein, and fiber.