[2] Its three species are twining vines growing over shrubs, and are native from southeast mainland China to the Solomon Islands.

[1] Sarcodum species are twining vines that scramble over shrubs, growing up to 5–10 m (16–33 ft) high.

The inflorescences are composed of erect leafy axillary and terminal racemes 3–12 cm (1.2–4.7 in) long.

Each flower is 6–19 mm (0.2–0.7 in) long, and has the typical shape of a member of the family Fabaceae.

[3] The genus name is derived from the Greek σαρκώδης (sarkōdēs) 'fleshy', referring to the seed pod.