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 sessilifolia occurs in Botswana, Namibia and South Africa. The fruits of Coccinia sessilifolia are edible and eaten both raw as well as boiled. The ripe fruit tastes sweetish. The unripe boiled fruit is similar to asparagus in texture and flavour. The root weighs up to 25 kg and is eaten raw, boiled or roasted. It produces slender fruits that are green speckled but matures to a reddish colour.