Mansoa alliacea (Garlic Vine)

Mansoa alliacea, commonly known as Garlic Vine, Cipo-alho, or Ajo Sacha, is a woody to semi-woody climbing vine in the Bignoniaceae family, native to the Lesser Antilles and tropical South America, including the Amazon Basin. It grows along forest margins and in tropical woodlands, climbing over surrounding vegetation. The compound leaves typically consist of two leaflets and a terminal tendril that helps the vine attach to supports. When crushed, the foliage releases a strong garlic-like odor, although the plant is unrelated to true garlic. Showy clusters of trumpet-shaped flowers open deep lavender to purple with a pale throat, gradually fading to lighter lavender and pinkish shades as they age. Flowers of several colors may therefore appear together, while white-flowered forms with entirely white blossoms are also known in cultivation. Blooming can occur in several flushes during warm weather. The leaves are traditionally used as a garlic-flavored seasoning in parts of its native range.

Mansoa alliacea grows best in full sun to partial shade and fertile, well-drained soil with moderate watering. It is cultivated as an ornamental climber on fences, pergolas, and trellises, and can be maintained in large containers with regular pruning. Best suited to USDA Zones 10-12, it is frost-sensitive; brief temperatures around 30F may be tolerated, but freezing conditions can damage the foliage and stems. Established plants tolerate short dry periods, although regular moisture encourages vigorous growth and flowering.

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