Shrub 0.5-1-(2) m high, many-stemmed and stoloniferous. Lvs to c. 25 cm long, composed of 3-7 pairs of sessile (excluding the terminal) leaflets, without basal pair of stipule-like leaflets; petiole (0)-1-4 cm long, dark red. Most leaflets 5-9.5 × 2.5-5 cm, ovate or elliptic-ovate, glossy above, prominently reticulate; margins undulate and spinose-dentate; apex spiny. Scales at base of fascicled racemes 5-10 mm long, membranous, brown. Racemes eventually to 6 or 7 cm long. Bracts broadly ovate, much < pedicels at anthesis. Perianth segments to 7 mm long, ovate to obovate, imbricate; segments of innermost whorl shorter and emarginate. Stamens included; filaments with 2 teeth. Stigma sessile. Berry c. 10 mm diam., globose, blue-black, pruinose.