A fleshy, fast-growing shrub reaching 2–4 m tall, Solanum laciniatum has dark green, deeply lobed leaves that are often more divided than those of S. aviculare, with young plants showing especially cut foliage. Leaf shape is variable, typically 5–30 cm long with several narrow lobes. The plant produces large violet-purple flowers with a bright yellow projecting centre, and its smooth yellow-to-orange berries are relatively large (30–40 mm) and poisonous when unripe, becoming less toxic as they mature. It commonly grows in disturbed or regenerating habitats, including forest margins, road edges, and scrublands.