Mansoa alliacea has been exported overseas, and grows in the favourable climates of (for example) Puerto Rico, Southern Africa, and India. It is cultivated in the West Indies. 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. 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.

• flowers
• lavender
• First
• the blooms the blooms
• Worldwide

flowers