Cobaea
Introduction '''''Cobaea''''' is a genus of flowering plants including about 20 species of rapid growing, ornamental climbers whose native range extends from Mexico to Peru. The botanical name honors Father Bernabé Cobo, Spanish Jesuit of the seventeenth century, naturalist, and resident of America for many years. The woody stems can reach . Leaves are alternate lobed with opposite pairs and tendrils. In late summer to early spring, the large, bell-shaped flowers are borne profusely and singly along the stems with bright green, violet, or purple in colors. The plants can become invasive in some areas, and are common weeds in New Zealand.
Species The Plant List (version 1.1, September 2013) accepts the following species:*''Cobaea aequatoriensis'' Aspl. *''Cobaea aschersoniana'' Brand*''Cobaea biaurita'' Standl. *''Cobaea campanulata'' Hemsl. *''Cobaea flava'' Prather*''Cobaea gracilis'' (Oerst.) Hemsl. *''Cobaea lutea'' D.Don*''Cobaea minor'' M.Martens & Galeotti*''Cobaea pachysepala'' Standl. *''Cobaea paneroi'' Prather*''Cobaea penduliflora'' (H.Karst.) Hook.f. *''Cobaea pringlei'' (House) Standl. *''Cobaea rotundiflora'' Prather*''Cobaea scandens'' Cav. – cathedral bells, cup and saucer vine*''Cobaea skutchii'' I.M.Johnst. *''Cobaea stipularis'' Benth. *''Cobaea trianae'' Hemsl. *''Cobaea triflora'' Donn.Sm.
References *Lord, Tony (2003) Flora : The Gardener's Bible : More than 20,000 garden plants from around the world. London: Cassell. *Ellison, Don (1999) Cultivated Plants of the World. London: New Holland (1st ed. : Brisbane: Flora Publications International, 1995) * Botanica Sistematica