The vine originated in Mexico, as the common name indicates. It is a twining vine up to 10 feet long with evergreen leaves shaped like arrowheads and serrated on the edges - a succulent type leaf similar to German Ivy. They are arranged alternately on the vine, creating a dense, deep green background for the "flame." As the flowers age, they change from orange to almost red, followed by fruiting structures that resemble smaller versions of the dandelion puffy seed heads. This is a nectar plant for butterflies, especially gulf fritillaries, and is also very attractive to hummingbirds.

It does not survive hard freezes, so it should be used annually in all but South Texas in most years.