There are over 100 Artabotrys species of Old World tropics, with 31 species in Africa. It is part of the custard family, Annonaceae. All are woody small trees or shrubs with recurved hooks with a tendency to climb. Leaves are simple and alternate, without hairs. Bisexual flowers are borne singly or in cluster opposite the leaves, the stalks thick and hooked. The flowers are 6-petalled, scented, with many stamens. Each ovary comprises 6 separate units, each becoming fleshy.

Artabotrys monteiroae commonly known as Red Hook-berry in English and Rooi-haakbessie in Afrikaans is a South African indigenous species found in the KwaZulu-Natal and Limpopo Provinces. It is a scrambling shrub or liane which climbs using curling flower stalks. It has ovate leathery leaves and during spring it bears yellowish 2cm flowers which are followed by purplish black fig-like fruits.