A semi-erect shrub or scrambling climber, sometimes prostrate with a single woody stem with spines and tendrils, arising from a perennial tuber. Leaves are large and compound, divided into 5-9 leaflets of variable size and shape. Leaves are dark green and pale underneath with a roughly toothed edge. Flowers are very small and purple with yellow stamens in clusters opposite leaves. Fruit is a round berry in grape like clusters with 2-4 small seeds.