Genus of about 15 species, which are distributed throughout Tropical South America. The garlic vine is named so because of its leaves and its flowers with its garlicky smell when crushed.

This vine is even used as substitute for garlic in food. The entire plant - roots, vine and leaves, is useful. It is used to reduce fevers, treat colds, throat, and respiratory ailments. The plant is said to help get rid of bad luck, and has both male and female parts. Ajo sacha has many spiritual uses, and is a favorite with hunters.

Ornamental evergreen vine, 6 to 8 feet tall (1.8-2.4 m); opposite leaves divided into two ovate leaflets, up to 6 inches long (15 cm).

Deep lavender flowers with white throat fading to a paler lavender. Blooms heavily in the Spring and Fall. Will have some flowers on and off throughout the year. Flowers start off purple 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.