Try for Free
tab list
PictureThis
English
arrow
English
繁體中文
日本語
Español
Français
Deutsch
Pусский
Português
Italiano
PictureThis
Search
Search Plants
Try for Free
Global
English
English
繁體中文
日本語
Español
Français
Deutsch
Pусский
Português
Italiano
This page looks better in the app
picturethis icon
Instantly identify plants with a snap
Snap a photo for instant plant ID, gaining quick insights on disease prevention, treatment, toxicity, care, uses, and symbolism, etc.
Download the App for Free
Continue Reading
Cup-and-saucer vine

How to identify Cup-and-saucer vine (Cobaea scandens)

Cup-and-saucer vine, also known as Mexican ivy, Purple-bell cobaea

Cup-and-saucer vine is a vigorous climber with a twining growth habit, easily reaching heights of up to 20 feet (6 meters). Its leaves are compound, with leaflets arranged in pairs opposite each other and a twining tendril at the tip. The plant boasts large, bell-shaped flowers that are quite striking, transitioning in color from greenish-white to purplish as they mature. These flowers can be over 2 inches (5 cm) long. Known for its preference for sunlight, cup-and-saucer vine thrives best in well-lit environments.

Lifespan

Lifespan: Perennial, Annual

Plant Type

Plant Type: Vine

Leaf Type

Leaf Type: Evergreen

Quickly Identify Cup-and-saucer vine

1

Vigorous climber reaching up to 20 feet (6 meters)

2

Large bell-shaped flowers transitioning from greenish-white to purplish

3

Pinnate leaves with four oval leaflets, ending in twining tendril

4

Sturdy woody stem with rough texture, forming climbing tendrils

5

Flowers bell, cup, or funnel-shaped, up to 2 inches (5 cm) long

Cup-and-saucer vineCup-and-saucer vineCup-and-saucer vineCup-and-saucer vineCup-and-saucer vine

Detailed Traits of Cup-and-saucer vine

Leaf Features

Cup-and-saucer vine has pinnate leaves with four leaflets. Each leaflet is oval-shaped, measuring approximately 1.5-3 inches (4-7.5 cm) in length and 0.75-1.5 inches (2-3.5 cm) in width. The upper surface is a vibrant green with a smooth texture, while the underside is paler and slightly hairy. Veination is prominent with a central midrib and lateral veins forming a reticulate pattern. The leaflets are arranged pairwise along a central rachis, and the leaf apex often terminates in a tendril used for climbing.

Learn About the Leaf Glossary
Group
Flower Features

The flowers of cup-and-saucer vine are bell, cup, or funnel-shaped and measure up to 2 inches (5 cm) in length. They open as a greenish-white color and mature to a bright purple. These flowers are notable for their strong musky odor when they first bloom. Each flower hangs upside down from the vine and is surrounded by a green, saucer-like calyx. Blooming occurs from late summer to early fall, and each flower lasts for approximately four days.

Learn About the Flower Glossary
Group
Stem Features

The stem of cup-and-saucer vine is woody, displaying a robust and climbing growth habit. It is characterized by its sturdy, strong texture and a somewhat rough surface. The color ranges from green in younger stems to a brownish hue as they mature. Typically, the stem can reach a thickness of about 0.5 inches (1.3 cm). The branching pattern is irregular and vigorous, with a tendency to form tendrils that assist in climbing and anchoring to structures.

Learn About the Stem Glossary
Group
Icon code

Scan QR code to download

More Plants You May Like and How to Identify Them
Img topic
Cape jasmine

Gardenia jasminoides is an evergreen shrub with unique, glossy evergreen leaves and stunning flowers. The sophisticated, matte white flowers are often used in bouquets. The exceptional beauty of this ornamental plant has made it a popular and highly appreciated plant amongst gardeners and horticulturalists.

Img topic
Golden pothos

The golden pothos (Epipremnum aureum) is a popular houseplant that is commonly seen in Australia, Asia, and the West Indies. It goes by many nicknames, including "devil's ivy", because it is so hard to kill and can even grow in low light conditions. Golden pothos has poisonous sap, so it should be kept away from pets and children.

Img topic
Tomato

Solanum lycopersicum is an annual or perennial herbaceous vine native to Central and South America that produces a large, juicy, edible fruit known as tomato. Today there are over 10000 cultivated varieties. Although tomato is the world’s most popular vegetable, botanically it is a fruit.

Img topic
Pepper

The pepper are commonly used for cooking in places such as the Southern U.S. and Central America. Most are moderately spicy, though because there are so many variants, the spice level can vary dramatically. Cayenne powder is also a popular seasoning product made from pepper plants.

Img topic
Swiss cheese plant

The swiss cheese plant (Monstera deliciosa) produces bright, glossy leaves and makes a popular houseplant. It is originally native to tropical forest regions in Central America. The nickname swiss cheese plant refers to the small holes that develop in the plant's leaves. The long fruits resemble corncobs and smell sweet and fragrant when ripe.

Img topic
Bigleaf hydrangea

The bigleaf hydrangea is a deciduous shrub native to Japan, and is known for its lush, oval, colorful inflorescence. The two types of Hydrangea macrophylla are mopheads - with large, ball-shaped, sterile flower clusters, and lace capes - with small round fertile flowers in the center, and sterile flowers on the outer side of each inflorescence. Depending on soil pH, blooms can change color from pink to blue.

Identify Cup-and-saucer vine easily and quickly
We're also capable of identifying over 12,000 types of plants, flowers, succulents, and trees in your surroundings.
Identify a Plant Online

Key Facts About Cup-and-saucer vine

Attributes of Cup-and-saucer vine
Spread
90 cm to 1.8 m
Leaf Color
Green
Flower Color
Purple
Green
White
Fruit Color
Green
Stem Color
Green
Purple
Leaf type
Evergreen
Identify plants with a snap
Instantly identify plants with AI: Snap a photo, and get accurate results within seconds.
Download the App for Free

Scientific Classification of Cup-and-saucer vine

Family
Phlox
Icon allow
Genus
Cobaea
Icon allow
Species
Cup-and-saucer vine (Cobaea scandens)
Learn More About the Cup-and-saucer vine

Distribution Map of Cup-and-saucer vine

Cup-and-saucer vine is native to the Central American region and has since been introduced to various continents including Asia, Africa, and Europe. It thrives in a wide range of habitats in these regions. Cultivation of cup-and-saucer vine has become common, suggesting adaptation to diverse climates and environments.
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
close
close
Your Ultimate Guide to Plants
Identify grow and nurture the better way!
product icon
17,000 local species +400,000 global species studied
product icon
Nearly 5 years of research
product icon
80+ scholars in botany and gardening
ad
ad
Botanist in your pocket
qrcode
PictureThis Ios DownloadPictureThis Android Download
Scan the QR code with your phone camera to download the app