Lycium sp.

The fruit of L. barbarum and L. chinense, known as Goji, has be come popular in western cultures for its supposed promotion of weight loss and general longevity.

Magnolia x brooklynensis Black Beauty

The deep purple outsides of the petals contrast starkly with the white insides.

See Article about Tropical Magnolias.

See also Plants with scents as heady as incense: Enchanted Magnolias - Joy in your life...

Mandragora autumnalis

USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map

Close

Mandrake (Mandragora autumnalis) is a small plant with long, bright green, oval-shaped leaves that can grow 2-5 ft in height. It is native to Southern Europe and can be grown in USDA Zone 6-10. The plant prefers full sun but can tolerate semi-shade, and needs moderate water. It produces clusters of blue, lavender, and purple flowers during spring and summer.

Mandragora autumnalis is a perennial herb with thick tuberous roots. It is also known as "Devil's Candle" due to a legend that its flowers shine at night. Even on a cloudy day, the centers of flowers stand out and "shine" due to their special reflector properties. In early times, mandrake had magical properties ascribed to it because the roots sometimes have human-like form.

If the plants become too dry, they will exhibit summer dormancy. Mandrake can also be grown in cold regions in pots. The plant should be placed in a sunny spot and only watered when the soil is dry. In the winter, the plant should be moved to a cooler spot and watered less frequently, especially if the temperatures are below freezing. If the soil freezes, it may be necessary to move the pot inside or mulch the soil with organic material.

Mandrake is well known as an ethnomedical plant with magical properties ascribed to it. Its active alkaloid hyoscymine is used as a preoperative anesthetic and as a remedy for motion sickness. All parts of the plant are poisonous , and all its parts may cause skin irritation or allergic reactions if handled. Thus, it should always be handled with utmost caution.

Mansoa alliacea, Pachyptera hymenaea, Pseudocalymma alliacea, Cydista aequinoctialis

This spectacular bloomer from is originated from South America, from Mexico to Brazil, and also known as Ajos Sacha ("false garlic" in Spanish). It grows into a semi-woody vine that attaches itself around the trunk of a large tree for support as it climbs skywards to reach for sunlight. The terminal leaflet of this plant is often modified into a tendril that helps the vine to cling onto a support. The two special features makes this plant pretty unique. First, the blooms. Deep lavender flowers with white throat are fading to a paler lavender as they mature. You will see 3 different color of flowers at the same time on the plant. The vine blooms heavily twice a year: in Fall-Winter, and in Spring, although it may also have some flowers on and off throughout the year. Secondly, the small of the leaves makes it a conversation piece: crushed leaves smell like garlic, although of course the plant is not related to the common edible onion or garlic at all. This plant is even used as substitute for garlic in food. The entire plant - roots, stems and leaves, is used medicinally: to reduce fevers, treat colds, throat, respiratory ailments, arthritic and rheumatic pain. Colds, flu and fever are treated with garlic vine, and this herb is often used to address "smoker's cough." Garlic vine is also effective as a mosquito repellent. The plant is said to help get rid of bad luck and is a favorite with hunters. Some Amazon natives offer their dogs a brew of this botanical to ensure success during the hunt. It is one of the most rewarding flowering vines that you can grow, unless you are a vampire!

Like many other flowering vines, the garlic vine should not be overly pruned as flower buds appear on new growth. Many gardeners make this mistake by pruning away the vines to keep new growth in check and as a result, plants refuse to produce flowers. It is a vine with a moderate growth rate and one need not worry that is will become an unruly resident in the garden. It can be grown in containers and should be trimmed after the flowers are gone. Great for chain link fences (or any fence), or a large trellis. Avoid freezing temperatures.

Read Article about Mansoa alliacea.

Mansoa verrucifera, Bignonia verrucifera, Onohualcoa verrucifera

Mansoa verrucifera, more commonly known as Mansoa, is a woody vine or creeper native to Mexico to Guyana and Brazil. Its leaves are opposite and trifoliate, with an elongate and more or less round fruit in cross-section with bumpy surfaces. It has bright and beautiful flowers, which can be found in a variety of colors, including pink, blue, lavender, and purple.

Mansoa is an ideal choice for growing outdoors in USDA Zones 9-11. It prefers full sun or partial shade and requires regular water. If grown in colder regions, it is best to keep it in a pot. While it prefers regular watering, it can tolerate low water if necessary.

Mansoa is an attractive and vibrant plant, with its bright and colorful flowers. With the right care, Mansoa can add beauty and vibrancy to any garden.