Akebia trifoliata also known as chocolate vine, three leaf chocolate vineorthree leaf akebia,[1] is a species of flowering plant. It is a close relative of the more commonly known Akebia quinata.
Akebia trifoliata | |
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Scientific classification ![]() | |
Kingdom: | Plantae |
Clade: | Tracheophytes |
Clade: | Angiosperms |
Clade: | Eudicots |
Order: | Ranunculales |
Family: | Lardizabalaceae |
Genus: | Akebia |
Species: |
A. trifoliata
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Binomial name | |
Akebia trifoliata (Thunb.) Koidz |
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]
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 coconutortapioca and is considered quite sweet.[6] It has a mild melon flavor when eaten ripe [7]
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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]