Adenia aculeata is a large, deciduous, succulent liana, climbing with some tendrils, up to 20 m long, but usually much smaller, with an enlarged basal part of stem (caudex) up to 30 cm in diameter and particularly attractive for its stems randomly studded with black - an added attraction for the lover of cactus-like plants.
Flowers are minute and unisexual yellowish-green or cream coloured.