Its compact habitat and pretty continuous flowers make it a popular ornamental plant in gardens in the tropics. It has made its way to specialty tropical nurseries in the United States and can be found in some gardens in the South where freezing and frost won’t kill this tropical vine (or it is grown as a house plant). It is called “garlic vine” here in the United States.
- Scientific Name: Mansoa alliacea Gentry.
- Synonyms: Adenocalymma alliaceum, Adenocalymma pachypus, Adenocalymma sagotii, Bignonia alliacea, Pachyptera alliacea, Pseudocalymma alliaceum, Pseudocalymma pachypus, Pseudocalymma sagotti
- Common names: Garlic Vine, Wild Garlic, Ajo Sacha, Amethyst Vine
- Family: Bignoniaceae
- Tribe: Bignonieae
- Species: M. alliacea
- Genus: Mansoa
Origin:
Mansoa alliacea native to Northern South America and has spread to Central America and Brasil.
Hardiness: USDA Hardiness Zone (°F): 9 (20 to 30 °F), 10 (30 to 40 °F)
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| Photo by Tracie Britten |
Mansoa alliacea is a vine with a moderate growth rate. It can be grown in containers and should be trimmed after the flowers are gone. Plants in 12-20cm (5-8 inch) pots should be kept them to about 90cm (35 inch) height; one way to keep them within reasonable limits is to train new growth around an inverted hoop of rattan cane or wire.
Outdoors grown Mansoa alliacea should not be overly pruned as flower buds appear on new growth. By pruning away the vines to keep new growth in check, plants will became flowerless.
Light: When grown indoors, Mansoa alliacea need bright light and some direct sunlight to flower.
Outdoors, plant the Mansoa alliacea in full sun position. Although the plant accept half-shade, but positioning them in a totally shaded location, should be avoided. The lack of sunlight is leading to the development of foliage at the expense of flowering.
Temperature: Mansoa alliacea likes warm temperatures in summer and cooler in winter. Normal room temperature is great for Mansoa alliacea all year round.
Hardy to temperatures above 1-2º C (34-36°F ), avoid freezing temperatures. Ideally for subtropical regions only, when grown outdoors.
Water: During the active growing period water plentifully – enough to keep the potting mixture thoroughly moist, but do not overwater. Requires regular watering, especially during the flowering period.
Reduce watering in resting period. Water just enough to make the potting mixture moist, but allow the top centimeter (0.5 inch) or so of the mixture to dry out between waterings.
Mist leaves every day for increased humidity.
Fertilising: Apply standard liquid fertiliser once every two weeks during the active growth period. - Learn more at HOW TO GROW AND CARE Mansoa
