Akebia trifoliata
Species of plant
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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.
| Akebia trifoliata | |
|---|---|
| |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Embryophytes |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Order: | Ranunculales |
| Family: | Lardizabalaceae |
| Genus: | Akebia |
| Species: | A. trifoliata |
| Binomial name | |
| Akebia trifoliata (Thunb.) Koidz | |
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]
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
Botanical illustration of Akebia trifoliata
