The scarlet gourds, Coccinia, is a genus with 25 species. It is distributed in sub-Saharan Africa and with one species also in South and South-east Asia, and it is also introduced into the New World. Incidentally, Coccinia grandis is a cultivated crop and it is used for culinary and medical purposes. Coccinia species are perennial climbing or creeping herbs. Climbing is supported by simple of unequally bifid tendrils. Most species develop a tuber from the hypocotyl, sometimes on roots. Coccinia species are dioecious, meaning that individual plants produce flowers with only male or only female organs.

Coccinia quinqueloba, synonymously known as Bryonia quinqueloba and Cephalandra quinqueloba, is a South African endemic species found growing in the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal Provinces. Common names include Bobbejaankomkommer and Bobbejaankomkommertjie. It is a rare perennial climber found along coastal South Africa and is a real curiosity plant. More of a creeper than a climber, it adapts to sun or shade, & roots along the stems. It grows as long or tall, or wide as you’ll let it get. Great in a hanging basket or raised pots, as the stems grow to great lengths even when the plant is restricted to a pot. The tuberous roots need very little space to grow and can be partially uncovered if you want to grow a specimen with a caudex. Mature leaves bear five lobes. Blooms are 2.5cm and creamy yellow. In order to produce fruit, which is red with white spots you will need two plants, one male, & one female, as Coccinias are dioecious. Unfortunately, it’s impossible to know who’s who before the plants flower. It is said that the leaves are edible when cooked.