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Akebia quinata
  • Chocolate Vine
    •  
  • Akebia

an evergreen fruit vine of the Akebia genus in the family Lardizabalaceae. It is an edible vine with a spicy, chocolatey aroma used in basket making.

Akebia quinata.jpg
Niche
  • Soil surface
    Soil surface
    There are no details available for this niche.
  • Climber
    Climber
    There are no details available for this niche.
Functions
  • Ground cover
    Ground cover
    There are no details available for this function.
Light
  • Full sun
    Full sun
    The amount of sun exposure that a plant prefers in ideal conditions.
    Key
  • permanent shade
    Permanent shade
    The amount of shade a plant will tolerate without adverse health affects.
    Key
Water
  • Water Requirementsmoderate
    Moderate
    The amount of water a plant needs for healthy growth, relative to other plants.
    Key
Soil
  • acid, neutral, alkaline
    Acid to Alkaline
    The PH range (acidity or alkilinity) of the growth medium ideal for healthy nutrient absorbtion.
    Key
  • Sandy to Clay
    The soil texture this plant prefers for optimal growth.
    Key
Cold & Heat
  • 5
    Zone 5
    The USDA Hardiness scale assigns plants a number from 1 to 12 representing the minimum temperature a plant can survive.
    Key
    0< -53.9ºC< -65ºF
    1-51.1ºC-60ºF
    2-45.6ºC-50F
    3-40ºC-40ºF
    4-34.4ºC-30ºF
    5-28.9ºC-20ºF
    6-23.3ºC-10ºF
    7-17.8ºC0ºF
    8-12.2C10ºF
    9-6.7ºC20ºF
    10-1.1ºC30ºF
    114.4ºC40ºF
    12> 10ºC> 5ºF
  • ?
    Unknown
    The AHS Heat scale assigns plants a number from 1 to 12 representing the number of days per year a plant requires a temperature exceeding 30ºC (86ºF).
    Key
    11
    21 - 7
    38 - 14
    415 - 30
    531 - 45
    646 - 60
    761 - 90
    891 - 120
    9121 - 150
    10151 - 180
    11181 - 210
    12181 - 210
Akebia quinata has 0 edible uses listed
Akebia quinata has 0 material uses listed
Akebia quinata has 0 medicinal uses listed

Botanical description

A. quinata grows to 10 metres or more in height and has compound leaves with five leaflets. The inflorescences are clustered in racemes and are chocolate-scented, with three or four sepals. The fruits are sausage-shaped pods which contain edible pulp[4].

Uses

Edible uses

Notes

The fruit is 5 - 10cm long and up to 4m wide[11][12].

Fruit

Fresh

Leaves

Tea

Unknown part

Tea

Material uses

Stem

Basketry

Medicinal uses(Warning!)

In the Chinese pharmacopoeia it is believed to be therapeutic as a diuretic, antiphlogistic, galactagogue and analgesic. The principal use of the herb in China is as a traditional remedy for insufficient lactation in nursing mothers. The medicinal part of the plant is the woody stem which is sliced in transverse sections and prepared as a decoction.

The stems are anodyne, antifungal, antiphlogistic, bitter, diaphoretic, diuretic, emmenagogue, febrifuge, laxative, galactogogue, resolvent, stimulant, stomachic and vulnerary[8][13][9][14]. Taken internally, it controls bacterial and fungal infections and is used in the treatment of urinary tract infections, lack of menstruation, to improve lactation etc[14].


The plant was ranked 13th in a survey of 250 potential antifertility plants in China[9].

Stems

Anodyne
Antiphlogistic
Bitter
Contraceptive
Diuretic
Emmenagogue
Galactogogue
Laxative
Resolvent

Fruit

Cancer
Depurative
Diaphoretic
Stimulant
Stomachic

Root

Febrifuge

Ecology

Ecosystem niche/layer

Soil surface or Climber

Ecological Functions

Ground cover

Plants have sometimes been used as a ground cover[15].

Forage

Nothing listed.

Shelter

Nothing listed.

Propagation

Layering in early spring[16]. 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.

Seed

Seed - best sown in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe. Surface sow in a light position[17]. The seed usually germinates in 1 - 3 months at 15°c[17]. Stored seed should be given 1 month cold stratification[18][17] 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.

Rooted cuttings

Cuttings of half-ripe wood, July/August in a frame[19][18]. The cuttings can be slow to root[11]. Cuttings can also be taken of soft wood in spring[18]. Root cuttings, December in a warm greenhouse[18].


Cultivation

Requires a well-drained moisture retentive soil[11]. Prefers a good loamy soil[19]. Succeeds in acid or alkaline soils[11]. Prefers partial shade but succeeds in full sun[5][11]. Succeeds on north facing walls[20]. Plants are fast growing and can be invasive[11].

Dormant plants are hardy to about -20°c but they can be somewhat tender when young[11]. 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]. This species grows very well in S.W. England[19]. Plants are evergreen in mild winters[19]. Resentful of root disturbance, either grow the plants in containers prior to planting them out or plant them out whilst very young[20]. Plants are not normally pruned, if they are growing too large they can be cut back by trimming them with shears in early spring[21]. The flowers have a spicy fragrance, reminiscent of vanilla[20]. Plants are shy to fruit, they possibly require some protection in the flowering season, hand pollination is advisable[5][19]. Plants are probably self-sterile[19][22], if possible at least 2 plants should be grown, each from a different source.

Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[11].

Crops

The medicinal part of the plant is the woody stem which is sliced in transverse sections and prepared as a decoction. The stems are harvested in the autumn and dried for later use[14].

Problems, pests & diseases

Associations & Interactions

There are no interactions listed for Akebia quinata. 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 quinata.

Descendants

Cultivars

Varieties

None listed.

Subspecies

None listed.

Full Data

This table shows all the data stored for this plant.

Taxonomy
Binomial name
Akebia quinata
Genus
Akebia
Family
Lardizabalaceae
Imported References
Edible uses
[1][2][3][5][7][11][12]
Medicinal uses
[8][13][9][14]
Material uses & Functions
[8][15]
Botanic
[19][23][11]
Propagation
Cultivation
Environment
Cultivation
Uses
Edible uses
None listed.
Material uses
None listed.
Medicinal uses
None listed.
Functions & Nature
Functions
Ground cover
Provides forage for
Provides shelter for
Environment
Hardiness Zone
5
Heat Zone
?
Water
moderate
Sun
full sun
Shade
permanent shade
Soil PH
acid, neutral, alkaline
Soil Texture
sandy, loamy, clay
Soil Water Retention
well drained
Environmental Tolerances
    Ecosystems
    Native Climate Zones
    None listed.
    Adapted Climate Zones
    None listed.
    Native Geographical Range
    None listed.
    Native Environment
    None listed.
    Ecosystem Niche
    Soil surface, Climber
    Root Zone Tendancy
    None listed.
    Life
    Deciduous or Evergreen
    evergreen
    Herbaceous or Woody
    woody
    Life Cycle
    perennial
    Growth Rate
    vigorous
    Mature Size
    10 x metres
    Fertility
    self sterile
    Pollinators
    ?
    Flower Colour
    violet
    Flower Type
    monoecious

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    "image:Akebia quinata.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki. "image:Akebia quinata.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.


    "image:Akebia quinata.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki., "image:Akebia quinata.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.

    "image:Akebia quinata.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.

    "image:Akebia quinata.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki., "image:Akebia quinata.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki., "image:Akebia quinata.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki. "image:Akebia quinata.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki., "image:Akebia quinata.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki., "image:Akebia quinata.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki. "image:Akebia quinata.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki. "image:Akebia quinata.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.

    "image:Akebia quinata.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki., "image:Akebia quinata.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki., "image:Akebia quinata.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki. "image:Akebia quinata.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki."image:Akebia quinata.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki., "image:Akebia quinata.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.




    References

    1. ? 1.01.1 Hedrick. U. P. Sturtevant's Edible Plants of the World. Dover Publications ISBN 0-486-20459-6 (32202/01/01)
    2. ? 2.02.12.2 Tanaka. T. Tanaka's Cyclopaedia of Edible Plants of the World. Keigaku Publishing (32202/01/01)
    3. ? 3.03.13.2 Kunkel. G. Plants for Human Consumption. Koeltz Scientific Books ISBN 3874292169 (32202/01/01)
    4. ? 4.04.1 Wikipedia [[1]] Wikipedia (2012/08/13)
    5. ? 5.05.15.25.3 Simmons. A. E. Growing Unusual Fruit. David and Charles ISBN 0-7153-5531-7 (32202/01/01)
    6. ? Crawford, Martin Creating a Forest Garden Green Books (2012/08/13)
    7. ? 7.07.17.2 Facciola. S. Cornucopia - A Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications ISBN 0-9628087-0-9 (32202/01/01)
    8. ? 8.08.18.28.3 Kariyone. T. Atlas of Medicinal Plants. ()
    9. ? 9.09.19.29.39.49.5 Duke. J. A. and Ayensu. E. S. Medicinal Plants of China Reference Publications, Inc. ISBN 0-917256-20-4 (32202/01/01)
    10. ? Reid,Daniel 962-593-988-1 A Handbook of Chinese Healing Herbs Tuttle Publishing ()
    11. ? 11.011.111.211.311.411.511.611.711.811.9 Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press ISBN 0-333-47494-5 (32202/01/01)
    12. ? 12.012.1 [Flora of China] (32202/01/01)
    13. ? 13.013.1 Stuart. Rev. G. A. Chinese Materia Medica. Taipei. Southern Materials Centre ()
    14. ? 14.014.114.214.3 Bown. D. Encyclopaedia of Herbs and their Uses. Dorling Kindersley, London. ISBN 0-7513-020-31 (32202/01/01)
    15. ? 15.015.1 Thomas. G. S. Plants for Ground Cover J. M. Dent & Sons ISBN 0-460-12609-1 (32202/01/01)
    16. ? F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press (32202/01/01)
    17. ? 17.017.117.2 Rice. G. (Editor) Growing from Seed. Volume 1. Thompson and Morgan. (32202/01/01)
    18. ? 18.018.118.218.3 Dirr. M. A. and Heuser. M. W. The Reference Manual of Woody Plant Propagation. Athens Ga. Varsity Press ISBN 0942375009 (32202/01/01)
    19. ? 19.019.119.219.319.419.519.6 Bean. W. Trees and Shrubs Hardy in Great Britain. Vol 1 - 4 and Supplement. Murray (32202/01/01)
    20. ? 20.020.120.2 Grey-Wilson. C. & Matthews. V. Gardening on Walls Collins ISBN 0-00-219220-0 (32202/01/01)
    21. ? Davis. B. Climbers and Wall Shrubs. Viking. ISBN 0-670-82929-3 (32202/01/01)
    22. ? Thomas. G. S. Ornamental Shrubs, Climbers and Bamboos. Murray ISBN 0-7195-5043-2 (32202/01/01)
    23. ? Ohwi. G. Flora of Japan. (English translation) Smithsonian Institution (32202/01/01)



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    Retrieved from "http://practicalplants.org/w/index.php?title=Akebia_quinata&oldid=74846"
    Facts about "Akebia quinata"RDF feed
    Article is incompleteNo +
    Article requires citationsNo +
    Article requires cleanupNo +
    Belongs to familyLardizabalaceae +
    Belongs to genusAkebia +
    Can be grown from cutting typeSoft wood + and Semi-ripe +
    Functions asGround cover +
    Has binomial nameAkebia quinata +
    Has common nameChocolate Vine + and Akebia +
    Has drought toleranceIntolerant +
    Has edible partFruit +, Leaves + and Unknown part +
    Has edible useFresh + and Tea +
    Has fertility typeSelf sterile +
    Has flowers of colourviolet +
    Has flowers of typeMonoecious +
    Has growth rateVigorous +
    Has hardiness zone5 +
    Has imageAkebia quinata.jpg +
    Has lifecycle typePerennial +
    Has material partStem +
    Has material useBasketry +
    Has mature height10 +
    Has medicinal partStems +, Fruit + and Root +
    Has medicinal useAnodyne +, Antiphlogistic +, Bitter +, Cancer +, Contraceptive +, Depurative +, Diaphoretic +, Diuretic +, Emmenagogue +, Febrifuge +, Galactogogue +, Laxative +, Resolvent +, Stimulant + and Stomachic +
    Has primary imageAkebia quinata.jpg +
    Has search nameakebia quinata +, chocolate vine + and akebia +
    Has seed requiring scarificationNo +
    Has seed requiring stratificationYes +
    Has seed with dormancy depthIntermediate +
    Has shade tolerancePermanent shade +
    Has soil ph preferenceAcid +, Neutral + and Alkaline +
    Has soil texture preferenceSandy +, Loamy + and Clay +
    Has soil water retention preferenceWell drained +
    Has sun preferenceFull sun +
    Has taxonomic rankSpecies +
    Has taxonomy nameAkebia quinata +
    Has water requirementsmoderate +
    Inhabits ecosystem nicheSoil surface + and Climber +
    Is deciduous or evergreenEvergreen +
    Is grown fromSeed +, Cutting + and Layering +
    Is herbaceous or woodyWoody +
    Is taxonomy typeSpecies +
    PFAF cultivation notes migratedNo +
    PFAF edible use notes migratedNo +
    PFAF material use notes migratedYes +
    PFAF medicinal use notes migratedNo +
    PFAF propagation notes migratedNo +
    PFAF toxicity notes migratedYes +
    Tolerates air pollutionNo +
    Tolerates maritime exposureNo +
    Tolerates nutritionally poor soilNo +
    Tolerates windNo +
    Uses mature size measurement unitMetres +
    Has subobjectThis property is a special property in this wiki.Akebia quinata +, Akebia quinata +, Akebia quinata +, Akebia quinata +, Akebia quinata +, Akebia quinata +, Akebia quinata +, Akebia quinata +, Akebia quinata +, Akebia quinata +, Akebia quinata +, Akebia quinata +, Akebia quinata +, Akebia quinata +, Akebia quinata +, Akebia quinata +, Akebia quinata +, Akebia quinata + and Akebia quinata +