‘NEBTHU 007’ is a new variety of thunbergia plant having dark velvet red/dark ochre flower colors and dark green foliage.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention comprises a new and distinct cultivar ofThunbergia alataknown by the varietal name ‘NEBTHU 007’. The new variety was discovered in Muenster, Germany in the Summer of 2007. The new variety is a result of a cross of proprietary and unpatentedthunbergiaplants having breeder reference names THU 06-012 (female parent) and THU 06-23 (male parent). The purpose of the breeding program was to develop athunbergiavariety with improved flowers with new colors and deeper colored foliage. The new variety is similar in flower size to its female parent, but differs in flower color. ‘NEBTHU 007’ is similar in flower size and plant habit to its male parent, but differs in flower color and blooming time. Further, the new variety is similar in plant habit and flower size tothunbergiavariety ‘African Sunset’ (unpatented), but differs in the colors of its corolla lobe, throat, and foliage. The new variety was first asexually reproduced by cuttings in September of 2007 in Muenster, Germany. The new variety has been trial and field tested and has been found to retain its distinctive characteristics and remain true to type through successive propagations.

The following characteristics have been repeatedly observed and are determined to be unique characteristics that distinguish ‘NEBTHU 007’ as a new and distinct cultivar from others known to the breeder:1) Dark colored flowers that open velvet red and blush to dark ochre; and2) Dark green foliage.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PLANT

The following detailed description sets forth the characteristics of the new cultivar. The data which defines these characteristics were collected by asexual reproductions carried out in Muenster, Germany. The color readings were taken outside. The new variety was grown outside in the summertime under natural light at temperatures of 15-18° C. The new variety was 16 weeks old and grown in a 3 liter pot when described. Color references are primarily to the 2005 R.H.S. Colour Chart of The Royal Horticultural Society of London.

PLANT

FLOWERS

REPRODUCTIVE ORGANS