The plant is most commonly cultivated in the African savannah and other semi-arid areas on the continent,[1] and is found across Africa in both tropical and sub-tropical latitudes, usually growing in sandier soils south of the Sahara.

It can be identified by numerous hairs on the stem; its pinkish flowers, often showing brown and purple markings; and a sub-erect growth habit.

False sesame is native to the northern parts of West Africa[3] and has been disseminated by humans across the continent from Senegal to Tanzania and the Democratic Republic of the Congo and southwards to Botswana and Mozambique.

[4] Ceratotheca sesamoides typically produces ten or more stems from its basal foliage clump, which often lie prostrate, and the frequent removal of younger shoots allows for protracted vegetative growth and flowering, which extends the productive period.

Like other members of the Pedaliaceae, C. sesamoides is covered in mucilage glands, which can enable the species to survive dehydration without tissue death, making it somewhat drought resistant.

Adding the sap of false sesame leaves to the boiling seed pulp of Vitellaria paradoxa during the making of shea butter assists in the separation of fat.

[5] Warm leaves can be ground up and mixed with ash, then applied to inflamed cervical lymph nodes to help expedite the birthing process in both humans and animals.