Tropaeolum can be annuals or perennials, bushy, trailing or climbing by twining stems, with simple or palmately lobed leaves and showy funnel-shaped flowers with five long-clawed petals and often a spur
T. speciosum is a slender herbaceous climber to 3m, with long fleshy rhizomes and rounded leaves composed of 5-7 obovate leaflets. Long-spurred, bright scarlet flowers 2cm in width are followed by indigo blue berries held in red sepals