[1] They are native to western Eurasia and adjacent regions, such as North Africa, the Canary Islands and South Asia.

Bryonies are perennial, tendril-climbing, diclinous or dioecious[clarification needed] herbs with palmately lobed leaves and flowers in axillary clusters.

The horticultural value contributes to formation of pest and crop damage by the food plant consumption.

Cucurbitacin glycosides are primarily responsible for the plants' bitterness and emetic effects.

The Royal Navy of the United Kingdom named two ships HMS Bryony after the plant.