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Uses

Edible uses

Notes

Fruit - raw[1]. Sweet but insipid. The fruit has a delicate flavour and a soft juicy texture[K]. The flavour can be enhanced by the addition of a little lemon juice. Valued as a novelty, it looks somewhat like a deep-purple coloured sausage. The dried young leaves are a tea substitute.

Fruit

Unknown part

Tea

Material uses

The peeled stems are very pliable. They can be bleached and used in basket making[2][3].

Unknown part

Medicinal uses(Warning!)

There are no medicinal uses listed for Akebia x pentaphylla.

Ecology

Ecosystem niche/layer

Climber

Ecological Functions

Nothing listed.

Forage

Nothing listed.

Shelter

Nothing listed.

Propagation

Seed - best sown in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe. Surface sow in a light position[4]. The seed usually germinates in 1 - 3 months at 15°c[4]. Stored seed should be given 1 month cold stratification[5][4] and can be very difficult to germinate. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in light shade in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant out in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. This is a hybrid species and so it will not breed true from seed.

Cuttings of half-ripe wood, July/August in a frame[6][5]. The cuttings can be slow to root[1]. Cuttings can also be taken of soft wood in spring[5]. Root cuttings, December in a warm greenhouse[5].

Layering in early spring[7]. Very easy, the plants usually self-layer and so all you need to do is dig up the new plants and plant them out directly into their permanent positions.

Practical Plants is currently lacking information on propagation instructions of Akebia x pentaphylla. Help us fill in the blanks! Edit this page to add your knowledge.



Cultivation

Requires a well-drained moisture retentive soil[1]. Succeeds in acid or alkaline soils[1]. Prefers partial shade but succeeds in full sun[1]. Succeeds on a north facing wall[8].

Dormant plants are hardy to about -15°c but they can be somewhat tender when young and are best given some protection at this time[1]. The young growth in spring, even on mature plants, is frost-tender and so it is best to grow the plants in a position sheltered from the early morning sun[K]. Resentful of root disturbance, either grow plants in containers prior to planting them out or plant them out whilst very young[8]. A naturally occurring hybrid, A. quinata x A. trifoliata[1]. Plants are evergreen in mild winters[6][1]. They are fast growing and can be invasive[1]. Plants are not normally pruned, if they are growing too large they can be cut back by trimming them with shears in early spring[9]. Shy to fruit, it possibly requires some protection in the flowering season - hand pollination is advisable. Plants are also possibly self-sterile.

Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[1].

Crops

Problems, pests & diseases

Associations & Interactions

There are no interactions listed for Akebia x pentaphylla. Do you know of an interaction that should be listed here? edit this page to add it.

Polycultures & Guilds

There are no polycultures listed which include Akebia x pentaphylla.

Descendants

Cultivars

Varieties

None listed.

Subspecies

None listed.

Full Data

This table shows all the data stored for this plant.

Taxonomy
Binomial name
Akebia x pentaphylla
Genus
Akebia
Family
Lardizabalaceae
Imported References
Edible uses
Medicinal uses
Material uses & Functions
Botanic
Propagation
Cultivation
Environment
Cultivation
Uses
Edible uses
None listed.
Material uses
None listed.
Medicinal uses
None listed.
Functions & Nature
Functions
Provides forage for
Provides shelter for
Environment
Hardiness Zone
5
Heat Zone
?
Water
moderate
Sun
full sun
Shade
permanent shade
Soil PH
Soil Texture
Soil Water Retention
Environmental Tolerances
    Ecosystems
    Native Climate Zones
    None listed.
    Adapted Climate Zones
    None listed.
    Native Geographical Range
    None listed.
    Native Environment
    None listed.
    Ecosystem Niche
    Root Zone Tendancy
    None listed.
    Life
    Deciduous or Evergreen
    Herbaceous or Woody
    ?
    Life Cycle
    ?
    Growth Rate
    ?
    Mature Size
    9 x meters
    Fertility
    ?
    Pollinators
    ?
    Flower Colour
    ?
    Flower Type











    References

    1. ? 1.001.011.021.031.041.051.061.071.081.091.101.11 Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press ISBN 0-333-47494-5 (1992-00-00)
    2. ? 2.02.1 Uphof. J. C. Th. Dictionary of Economic Plants. Weinheim (1959-00-00)
    3. ? 3.03.1 Usher. G. A Dictionary of Plants Used by Man. Constable ISBN 0094579202 (1974-00-00)
    4. ? 4.04.14.2 Rice. G. (Editor) Growing from Seed. Volume 1. Thompson and Morgan. (1987-00-00)
    5. ? 5.05.15.25.3 Dirr. M. A. and Heuser. M. W. The Reference Manual of Woody Plant Propagation. Athens Ga. Varsity Press ISBN 0942375009 (1987-00-00)
    6. ? 6.06.1 Bean. W. Trees and Shrubs Hardy in Great Britain. Vol 1 - 4 and Supplement. Murray (1981-00-00)
    7. ? F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press (1951-00-00)
    8. ? 8.08.1 Grey-Wilson. C. & Matthews. V. Gardening on Walls Collins ISBN 0-00-219220-0 (1983-00-00)
    9. ? Davis. B. Climbers and Wall Shrubs. Viking. ISBN 0-670-82929-3 (1990-00-00)