Exotic chocolate-red flowers with yellow throats hang on long stems below the dark green foliage on this large growing tropical vine from southern India. In conservatories and warm climates it can reach 20 feet or more in size and flower year-round. Sun rich locations with moist, well drained soils and a stout arbor to grow on are key to success with this species. Described by a Royal Horticulture Society plant evaluation committee as one of the most beautiful vines in the world.

The genus name honors Carl Thunberg, a protégé of Linnaeus, father of modern botany.