Tarchonanthus littoralis is a large, dense, bushy shrub or small, shapely tree, 1 to 8 meters tall. 
There are male and female trees
Male flower heads are 5-10 mm in diameter and contain 13-47 flowers, sterile ovary and long, protruding style.
Female flowers are white to cream coloured. After flowering, each female flower becomes a cotton-wool-like ball of shiny white fragrant hairs, that fluffs out more as it matures. The small seed is buried inside the puff of white hairs.
The white fruiting inflorescences are extremely showy against the dark green foliage, and remain decorative for many months
It is used to treat headaches, asthma, bronchitis, coughs, colds, flu, chest ailments, rheumatism, internal bleeding, anxiety, indigestion, heartburn, stomach troubles, toothache. Ointment for chilblains and sore feet. With sage used for fevers and measles. Leaves smoked as a dagga substitute.

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