What is "cobaea scandens"

Cobaea \Co*bae"a\, Cobaea \Co*b[ae]"a\(k[-o]*b[=e]"[.a]), prop. n. [Named after D. Cobo, a Spanish botanist.] A genus of climbing plants, native of Mexico and South America. Cobaea scandens (called cup-and-saucer vine, monastery bells, or Mexican ivy) is a conservatory climber with large bell-shaped flowers.

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Cobaea scandens
by Pancrace Bessa

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Cobaea scandens (cup-and-saucer vine, cathedral bells, Mexican ivy, monastery bells) is a species of flowering perennial plant of the Polemoniaceae family, native to the tropical Americas.

It is widely cultivated for its twining habit and its highly ornamental, bell-shaped flowers, long, which change from white to purple. It is not hardy, and requires protection from winter frost and winds. It has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit. A white form exists, C. scandens f. alba.

This plant has become a common weed in New Zealand, probably as a garden escape.