Garlic creeper is a delight to grow as it shoots up very fast and when in bloom it is a sight to behold!
Plant Summary:
The name is derived because the leaves when crushed smells of garlic. The smell is because it contains sulphur compounds like alliin and allyl sulphides that the garlic has.
Garlic Creeper is a native to Amazon rainforests, but is grown widely in South India. The natives of Amazon use the leaves as a condiment to flavor their food.
Garlic Creeper is a beautiful ornamental vine with opposite leaves divided into two ovate leaflets. The flowers are funnel shaped and purple to pale lavender to white, which become lighter as they age.
Garlic Creeper can grow up to 12 to 14 feet and is propagated from cuttings. It climbs with the help of its long tendrils. It is usually used to decorate the fence, trellis etc., The plant needs to be trimmed after each flowering season. There is no flowering season for this plant as the buds appear after few days of trimming.
This garden plant requires well-drained soil with moderate watering. The vine grows well in full sun to half shade conditions.
Medicinal Value:
Garlic Creeper has a long history of use in herbal medical systems in Peru and Brazil as an analgesic, anti-inflammatory and anti-rheumatic. Indian tribes in Amazon basin use the poultice of bark on bumps, swellings and inflammatory conditions of the skin.
An infusion or leaves in decoction is used for rheumatism, arthritis, uterine disorders and epilepsy. Leaves are also used as a common remedy for cold, flu, pneumonia, coughs, fever and headache.
