The chocolate vine is an unusual climber,  the maroon-chocolate flowers look almost artificial they are so perfectly shaped, with waxy 'petals' forming an inverted cup shape. These are clustered along the stems and have an exotic spicy fragrance with a hint of vanilla. They stand out against a background of light purple, three-lobed leaves, most colourful in full sun.  After a particularly warm summer, large sausage-shaped fruit dangle from the stems.