Mansoa alliacea (Lam.) A.H.Gentry


Family: BIGNONIACEAE
Sub-Family: Not available
English Name: Garlic Vine
Synonym: Bignonia alliacea Lam.
Common Name: Not available
Flowering & Fruiting Period: Throughout the year
Distribution: Native to South America
Habitat: Grown as garden plant
Uses: It is a very common and well respected plant remedy in the Amazon for the pain and inflammation of arthritis and rheumatism, as well as, colds, flu, and fever. Some capsule products of the leaves are sold in stores in Brazil and Peru, and it can be found as an ingredient in other various multi-herb formulas for cold and flu, pain, inflammation and arthritis in general.
Key Characteristics: It can either be described as a shrub or a vine since it produces numerous woody vines from the root that grow only 2-3 m tall and form a shrub-like appearance. It produces bright green leaves up to 15 cm long. Its compact habitat and pretty continuos flowers make it a popular ornamental plant in gardens in the tropics. Flowering twice a year you will find it quite often covered with flowers. Flowers start off purple with white throat and change to a lighter shade of lavender with age. Eventually fading to almost white. You will see 3 different color of flowers at the same time on the plant. It can be grown in containers and should be trimmed after the flowers are gone.