Akebia, Threeleaf Akebia

Akebia trifoliata

Physical Characteristics

Akebia trifoliata is a deciduous Climber growing to 9 m (29ft 6in) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5 and is not frost tender. It is in flower in April, and the seeds ripen from September to October. The species is monoecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but both sexes can be found on the same plant). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in full shade (deep woodland) semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

E. Asia - China, Japan, Korea.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; North Wall. By. East Wall. By. West Wall. By.

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit Edible Uses: Tea Fruit - raw. Sweet but insipid[2, 3, 46, 61, 105]. 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 more as a novelty, the fruit looks somewhat like a deep-purple coloured sausage[183]. The fruit is 7 - 13cm long[200]. The dried young leaves are used as a tea substitute[46, 61, 105, 183].

Medicinal Uses

Analgesic Antibacterial Antifungal Antiinflammatory Antitumor Blood tonic Cardiotonic Diuretic Emmenagogue Galactogogue Urinary The stems are analgesic, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antitumor. blood tonic, cardiotonic, diuretic, emmenagogue and galactogogue[147, 176]. 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[176, 238]. The stems are harvested in the autumn and dried for later use[238].

Known Hazards

None known