Common Name: Akebia

General Information

Akebia trifoliata is an evergreen, climbing shrub, becoming deciduous in cold winters. The branching stems can be 12 metres or more long, they twine into any surrounding trees and shrubs or, in their absence, scramble over the ground where they can form thickets[, ].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food, medicine and source of materials. The stems are commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine, being harvested from the wild and traded[]. The fruits are sold in local markets in Japan[]. The plant is cultivated as an ornamental.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

, ,

Range

E. Asia - central and southern China, Japan, Taiwan

Habitat

Rocky places in woods and thickets; at elevations to 1,800 metres in Japan[]. Semideciduous forest margins, open forest along valleys, scrub on hillsides and by streams; at elevations of 200 - 2,100 metres in China[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Semi-deciduous Climber
Height	9.00 m
Growth Rate	Fast
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Akebia trifoliata is quite cold tolerant when dormant, tolerating temperatures down to about -20°c, though another report says that this species is not as hardy as Akebia quinata, and will only tolerate temperatures down to -10°c[200[. The young growth however, is not very hardy and can be damaged by even light frosts[].
Requires a well-drained moisture-retentive loamy soil[, ]. Succeeds in acid or alkaline soils[]. Prefers partial shade but succeeds in full sun[, ]. Grows well on a shady wall[].
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[].
The plant is resentful of root disturbance, either grow young plants in containers prior to planting them out or plant them out whilst very young[].
Fast growing, the plant needs careful siting in the garden or it can quickly outgrow its welcome and invade other areas. It grows well on deciduous trees[].
Plants are not normally pruned, if they are growing too large they can be cut back by trimming them with shears in early spring[].
Plants are shy to fruit, they possibly require some protection in the flowering season, hand pollination is advisable[, ]. Plants are probably self-sterile[], if possible at least 2 plants should be grown, each from different seed parents. The flowers are sweetly scented[].
The ssp. Akebia trifoliata australis (Diels.)Rehd., is used medicinally in China[].
Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[].

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw. Sweet but insipid[, , , , ]. The fruit has a delicate flavour and a soft juicy texture[]. The flavour can be enhanced by the addition of a little lemon juice. Valued more as a novelty, the fruit looks somewhat like a deep-purple coloured sausage[]. The fruit is 7 - 13cm long[].

The dried young leaves are used as a tea substitute[, , , ].

Medicinal

The stems are analgesic, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antitumor. blood tonic, cardiotonic, diuretic, emmenagogue and galactogogue[, ]. Taken internally, it controls gram-positive bacterial and fungal infections and is used in the treatment of urinary tract infections, lack of menstruation, to improve lactation etc[, ].
The stems are harvested in the autumn and dried for later use[].

Other Uses

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

An extract of the stems is used as an ingredient in commercial cosmetic preparations as a skin conditioner[].

Propagation

Seed - best sown in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe. Surface sow in a light position[]. The seed usually germinates in 1 - 3 months at 15°c[]. Stored seed should be given 1 month cold stratification[, ] 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.
Cuttings of half-ripe wood, mid summer in a frame[, ]. The cuttings can be slow to root[].
Cuttings can also be taken of soft wood in spring[].
Root cuttings, December in a warm greenhouse[].
Layering in early spring[]. 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.