Akebia trifoliata

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Akebia trifoliata
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Order: Ranunculales
Family: Lardizabalaceae
Genus: Akebia
Species:
A. trifoliata
Binomial name
Akebia trifoliata
(Thunb.) Koidz

Akebia trifoliata also known as chocolate vine, three leaf chocolate vine or three leaf akebia,[1] is a species of flowering plant. It is a close relative of the more commonly known Akebia quinata.

Description

Akebia trifoliata is a climbing vine with leaves composed of three ovate, slightly lobed leaflets, often bronze-tinted when young. It grows up to 9.1 m (30 ft) long.[2] It loses its leaves in cold climates, but the twining woody branches are handsome even when bare. Flowers are deep purple in short racemes and followed by light purple fruits.[3]

Like Akebia quinata, it grows in USDA hardiness zones from 5a to 9b: from −20 °F (−28.9 °C) to 30 °F (−1.1 °C).[4]

The smaller oblong fruit of A. trifoliata
Akebia trifoliata foliage with its iconic chocolate-colored flowers

Uses

Culinary uses

The plant is grown for its ornamental appeal but also for the edible oblong purplish fruits.[5] The fruit itself has a mild flavor reminiscent of coconut or tapioca and is considered quite sweet.[6] It has a mild melon flavor when eaten ripe [7]

Medicinal uses

It is used in traditional Chinese medicine to help with urinary tract infections and "quickening blood flow."[8]

Extracts of the fruits have been shown to have diuretic properties (reduction of water-weight), hepato-regenerative, neuroprotective, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-obesity effects.[medical citation needed] It has been shown to help with weight loss in vitro[clarification needed] and reduction of fat deposition.[9]

The rind, though inedible, has been found to contain a high concentration of cancer fighting antioxidants which can be extracted by making a tea out of the rind.[10]

Akebia trifoliata also has been used to create an "antibacterial pectin" from its waste products which may increase the profitability of the plant when grown commercially.[11]

Gallery

  • Fruit of Akebia trifoliata with hand for scale
    Fruit of Akebia trifoliata with hand for scale
  • Botanical illustration of Akebia trifoliata
    Botanical illustration of Akebia trifoliata

References

  1. ^ "Akebia trifoliata | three-leaf akebia Climber Wall Shrub/RHS Gardening". www.rhs.org.uk. Retrieved 2023-01-09.
  2. ^ WoFP (2018-05-11). "Akebia trifoliata (Three-leaf Akebia)". World of Flowering Plants. Retrieved 2023-01-09.
  3. ^ WoFP (2018-05-11). "Akebia trifoliata (Three-leaf Akebia)". World of Flowering Plants. Retrieved 2023-01-09.
  4. ^ WoFP (2018-05-11). "Akebia trifoliata (Three-leaf Akebia)". World of Flowering Plants. Retrieved 2023-01-09.
  5. ^ "Akebia | plant genus | Britannica". www.britannica.com. Retrieved 2023-01-09.
  6. ^ "Akebia trifoliata | three-leaf akebia Climber Wall Shrub/RHS Gardening". www.rhs.org.uk. Retrieved 2023-01-09.
  7. ISSN 1355-4905
    .
  8. ISBN 978-3-642-16741-6
    .
  9. PMID 34352331
    .
  10. PMID 34205582
    .
  11. S2CID 109666326
    .
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