Any reference to medicinal or culinary use of plants or plant parts should in no way be considered an endorsement by The Ocala Food Forest or its staff. Research is crucial in safe and proper consumption or experimentational use of any plant.
Plant Information
| Scientific Name: | Mansoa hymenaea |
| Family Name: | Bignoniaceae |
| Common Name(s): | Garlic Vine, False Garlic |
| Size: | Can grow up to 6-8 feet in length as a climbing vine |
| Plant Type: | Tropical perennial vine |
| Origin/Geographic Distribution: | Native to tropical regions of Central and South America, especially Brazil |
| Native to: | Brazil |
| Native range in the USA: | Not native to the USA; commonly grown in tropical and subtropical gardens in Florida. |
| Conservation Status: | Not listed as threatened |
Cultivation
| Planting: | Best planted in spring to early summer to establish before cooler months |
| Sun Exposure: | Full sun to partial shade |
| Soil Type: | Rich, well-drained soil |
| Soil pH: | 5.0 to 6.5 (slightly acidic to alkaline) |
| Water Requirements: | Moderate; requires consistent moisture but not waterlogged |
| Fertilizer Requirements: | Moderate; benefit from feeding with a balanced fertilizer every few months during the growing season. |
| Pruning Requirements: | Prune to control size and shape, and remove any dead or damaged stems |
| Growth Rate: | Fast; quickly reaches full size in ideal conditions |
| Companion Planting: | Complements other tropical plants such as Hibiscus and Bougainvillea for a lush, colorful tropical garden |
Tolerance and Hardiness
| Drought Tolerance: | Moderate; can withstand short periods of dry conditions once established |
| Frost Tolerance: | Low; cannot tolerate temperatures below 40°F (4°C) without protection |
| Heat Tolerance: | High; performs well in hot and humid climates up to 95°F (35°C) |
| Wind Tolerance: | Moderate; may require support in exposed sites |
| Salt Tolerance: | Moderate; suitable for planting in coastal areas with some protection from direct salt spray |
| USDA Plant Hardiness Zones: | 8b-11 |
Flower and Fruit Information
| Fruit Type: | Produces small, non-edible seed pods |
| Harvest Time: | Not applicable as the fruit is not commonly used |
| Fruit Description: | Small and inedible |
| Edible Plant: | Yes |
| Edible Parts: | Its leaves are sometimes added to salads or cooked dishes to provide an extra kick of flavor. |
| Medicinal: | Has been used in traditional medicine for various medicinal purposes such as treating infections caused by bacteria and fungus as well as providing relief from pain and inflammation. Its bark has been used medicinally for many years by some Amerindian groups for treating skin ailments such as eczema or wound healing issues like sores or abscesses. |
| Flower Color: | Purple to lavender |
| Flower Shape: | Tubular |
| Fragrance: | Garlic-like scent when leaves are touched or crushed, flowers are mildly fragrant |
| Flower Bloom Time: | Year-round in tropical climates, most prolific from spring to fall |
| Bloom Duration: | Long-lasting, with peak blooms in the warmer months |
| Pollination: Self or Other? |
Attracts bees and butterflies |
Wildlife
| Attracts: | Attracts a variety of wildlife including bees, butterflies, and birds, particularly hummingbirds attracted to the flowers |
| Pollinators: | Bees and butterflies |
| Problematic Pest: | Generally pest-resistant; occasional issues with aphids and spider mites. |
Health and Safety
| Toxic: | No significant toxicity reported for humans or animals |
| Poisonous Parts of Plant: | None |
| Toxic to Humans: | No toxic effects are known; plant is safe around children and pets |
| Toxic to Animals: | Non-toxic to animals |
| Plant Diseases to be aware of: | May be susceptible to root rot in overly wet conditions, and fungal issues in humid climates |
Garlic Vine (mansoa hymenaea)
Mansoa hymenaea, often referred to as the garlic vine, is a delightful choice for any gardener aiming to add a vibrant splash of color and a touch of the exotic to their outdoor spaces. This striking vine is renowned not only for its beautiful, tubular flowers that range in hues from soft lavender to vivid purple, but also for its unique ability to emit a subtle garlic scent when its leaves are disturbed. This feature can add an intriguing sensory layer to gardens, engaging not just the visual but also the olfactory senses, making it a standout among climbing plants.
Cultivating the garlic vine is relatively straightforward, making it an excellent option for both novice and experienced gardeners. Its adaptability to a range of sunlight conditions, from full sun to partial shade, along with its modest water requirements, ensures that it can thrive in various garden settings. Furthermore, while the vine benefits from regular pruning to maintain its shape and encourage more robust flowering, it doesn't demand constant care, allowing gardeners to enjoy its display without excessive effort. The garlic vine’s year-round flowering capability ensures continual visual appeal, and its flowers serve as a magnet for a variety of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, thereby enhancing the biodiversity of your garden ecosystem.
Companion Planting
Companion planting with Mansoa hymenaea (Garlic Vine) can create a harmonious and visually appealing garden setup, enhancing both the beauty and the biodiversity of your space. Here are some ideal companion plants that pair well with Garlic Vine, suitable for warm climates and particularly in areas like Florida, in planting zone 9. These plants complement the Garlic Vine in terms of cultural requirements, aesthetics, and attracting beneficial wildlife:
Florida Native and Florida Friendly Plants
Bougainvillea (Bougainvillea spp.)
Zone Range: 9-11
Benefits: Bougainvillea's vibrant cascading flowers can create a stunning visual contrast against the purple flowers of Garlic Vine. Both thrive in full sun and have similar water needs.
Use: Ideal for creating a lush, tropical look. Plant them near structures where both can climb and intertwine, providing a continuous bloom display.
Golden Dewdrop (Duranta erecta)
Zone Range: 9-11
Benefits: The bright blue flowers and golden fruit of Golden Dewdrop complement the purple blooms of Garlic Vine. Both attract a plethora of pollinators and are easy to maintain.
Use: Plant alongside or in close proximity for a mixed hedge or border that offers varied texture and color.
Hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis)
Zone Range: 9-11
Benefits: Hibiscus flowers provide a bold color pop that beautifully contrasts with the more subtle tones of Garlic Vine. Both plants enjoy similar environmental conditions.
Use: Excellent for adding structural diversity to a garden with Garlic Vine's climbing habit and Hibiscus's bushy growth.
General Companion Plants
Jasmine (Jasminum spp.)
Zone Range: 9-10
Benefits: The sweet scent of Jasmine can enhance the mild garlic aroma of the vine leaves, creating a fragrant garden space. Both plants are climbers and can support each other.
Use: Plant them near pergolas or trellises where they can intertwine and climb together.
Gardenia (Gardenia jasminoides)
Zone Range: 8-11
Benefits: Gardenia's lush foliage and fragrant white flowers offer a stark contrast to the Garlic Vine, providing a sensory blend of fragrances and colors.
Use: Suitable for planting at the base of trellises or walls where Garlic Vine is trained to grow, allowing both to benefit from shared soil and light conditions.
Passionflower (Passiflora spp.)
Zone Range: 5-12, depending on the species
Benefits: Passionflower will add another layer of visual interest and attract additional pollinators, which benefits both plants.
Use: Co-plant on large supports or fences where ample room for growth is available, ensuring both plants can spread without competing aggressively for space.
These companion plants are not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional, as they can help attract beneficial insects, provide shade, and enhance the overall health of the garden by diversifying the plant ecosystem. This makes for a more resilient and vibrant garden environment.