Known as Mexican climbing cobaea when it was introduced in 1792, the development of the flowers is a show unto itself. They start out as green, five-cornered, papery buds, then open to reveal the green saucer and bell-shaped flower. The pale green flower becomes striped with violet, finally changing to deep purple before dropping off. The foliage and tendrils are shaded with violet and are beautiful from spring to late fall freezes.