Five leaf akebia, Chocolate Vine
It is a temperate plant. It grows naturally in mountainous areas in Japan and Korea. It needs well drained moist soil. It can grow in acid or alkaline soils. It can grow in shade but does better in sunlight. Plants are hardy to -20°C, when dormant but damaged by frost when in shoot. In mild winters they keep their leaves. It suits hardiness zones 5-10. It grows in Sichuan.
Also known as:
Akebi, Eureumdeonggul, Mu tong fruit, Urum
Synonyms
- Rajania quinata (Houtt.)
Edible Portion
- Fruit, Leaves, Shoots, Vine
Where does Five leaf akebia grow?
Found in: Asia, Australia, Britain, Canada, China, Japan, Korea, North America, Pakistan, United States
Notes: There are about 4-5 Akebia species.
Status: It is a cultivated food plant.
Growing Five leaf akebia, Chocolate Vine
Cultivation: Plants can be grown from seed. If possible use fresh seed or for stored seed give it one months cold treatment. Seed should be sown on the surface of the soil. The seed usually germinates in 1 - 3 months at 15°C. Plants do not transplant easily. Hand pollination helps fruit bearing. Male pollen from a separate plant should be used. As plants are probably self sterile 2 plants from different sources should be grown together. Plants can be grown from cuttings of the vine or root. Plants can also be grown by layering. In warm climates plants need to be pruned back heavily.
Edible Uses: The fruit is eaten raw. The skin of the fruit is bitter but it is fried and eaten. The fruit can also be pureed and made into a drink. The soft young shoots are used in salads. They are also pickled in salt. The leaves can be used for tea.
Production: Plants are fast growing. In central China plants flower in April and May and fruit in June to August.
Nutrition Info
per 100g edible portion| Edible Part | Energy (kcal) | Protein (g) | Iron (mg) | Vitamin A (ug) | Vitamin c (mg) | Zinc (mg) | % Water |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fruit | 82 | 0.5 | 0.3 | - | - | 0.1 | 77.1 |
| Leaves | - | - | - | - | - | - |
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