Antidesma venosum occurs naturally in four provinces of South Africa; Eastern Cape KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga and Limpopo. This semi-deciduous tree or shrub reaches a mature height of 0.55 to 15m with a dense rounded crown and drooping branch tips. It is one of the best trees to plant for attracting birds to the garden.

On younger branches the pale grey bark is covered with reddish brown hairs. As the branches mature, the bark becomes shallowly grooved, flaking in long strips. The dark glossy green leaves are alternate, simple and leathery. They are covered with rusty hairs on the lower surface. The Tasselberry produces male and female flowers on different trees. Male flowers appear in spikes of up to 160mm long and with blood red anthers. The strongly scented female flowers are reddish in colour and will be in racemes of up to 80mm long. After flowering, black fleshy fruits are borne on long tassel-like branches.

The tassels have fruits ranging in colour from white, pink, red, purple to black. This ensures that birds keep visiting the tree for a long time. Due to its non-aggressive root system, this tree is suitable as a screening plant in a shrubbery. It also makes a beautiful specimen tree when planted on the lawn. The leaves and young shoots are enjoyed by wildlife. This plant is used as an anti-venom for snake bites. A. venosum tolerates moderate degrees of cold.