Garlicvine (Bignonia aequinoctialis, Sp. Pl.: 623 (1753))

Family: Bignoniaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 623 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Bignonia

Vegetable: False

Observations: Mexico to Trop. America

Description

Garlicvine is a captivating flowering plant that hails from the extensive regions stretching from Mexico through to Tropical America. Scientifically known as Bignonia aequinoctialis, this species was first documented in the seminal work “Species Plantarum” in 1753 by the eminent botanist Carl Linnaeus, often abbreviated as L.

Belonging to the Bignoniaceae family, Garlicvine is renowned for its vibrant and striking blossoms which vary in shades, developing from deep purple to lighter hues as they mature. Its common name, “Garlicvine,” arises from its unique characteristic of emitting a garlic-like scent when its leaves and flowers are crushed, an attribute that sets it apart from other ornamental plants.

In its natural habitat, Garlicvine thrives in warm, tropical climates, often found flourishing in the wild across Mexico and various parts of Tropical America. Given its climbing nature, it is commonly seen clinging to trees and fences, adding a burst of color to the green tropical landscapes.

Garlicvine not only serves as an ornamental delight but also contributes to the ecological system by attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies. Its rapid growth and stunning floral displays make it a beloved choice for gardeners and landscapers aiming to create an exotic and vibrant atmosphere.

Whether you are drawn to it for its aesthetic appeal or its intriguing garlic scent, Bignonia aequinoctialis remains a fascinating specimen within the rich diversity of tropical flora.

Common Names

Eng: garlicvine
En: Garlicvine, Garlic-Scented Vine, Guard Withe
: Guard withe

Synonyms

• Cydista aequinoctialis ((L.) Miers)

Distribution

• Belize (native)
• Bolivia (native)
• Brazil North (native)
• Brazil Northeast (native)
• Brazil West-Central (native)
• Colombia (native)
• Costa Rica (native)
• Cuba (native)
• Dominican Republic (native)
• Ecuador (native)
• El Salvador (native)
• French Guiana (native)
• Guatemala (native)
• Guyana (native)
• Haiti (native)
• Honduras (native)
• Leeward Is. (native)
• Mexico Gulf (native)
• Mexico Northwest (native)
• Mexico Southeast (native)
• Mexico Southwest (native)
• Nicaragua (native)
• Panamá (native)
• Peru (native)
• Puerto Rico (native)
• Suriname (native)
• Trinidad-Tobago (native)
• Venezuela (native)
• Windward Is. (native)
• Marianas (introduced)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Apr 22, 2022 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

Taken Apr 22, 2022 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

Taken Apr 22, 2022 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

Taken Apr 22, 2022 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

Taken Apr 22, 2022 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

Flower

Taken Apr 22, 2022 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

Taken Apr 22, 2022 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

Other

Taken Apr 22, 2022 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3172559)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:108550-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Bignonia aequinoctialis L.)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Vine

Growth