Akebia quinata

Akebia quinata

The Fingerblättrige Akebie ( Akebia quinata ), and the Five-petal Akebie or called due to the spicy smell of the flowers, chocolate, wine, is a plant from the family of finger fruit plants ( Lardizabalaceae ). It grows wild in the mountainous forests of East Asia (China, Korea, Japan).

Description

It is a tropical woody climber, reaching heights of growth of 12 m. Their leaves are five-piece, hand -shaped composed, are ovate and dark green on top, colored bluish- green. Flowering period is April to May. The flowers are borne in clusters. The female flowers are purplish - brown in color and about 3 cm in size, the males are pink and small ( about 1 cm). The purple and quite bizarre looking, finger-shaped fruits of Akebie mature September to October.

Use

In Europe it is used due to their long leaves liability and its rapid growth to the facade greening as an ornamental plant; however, since it devours readily hardly widespread. The frost- tolerant plant is hardy (zone 5).

The fruits are edible and have a slightly sweet taste. The leaves can be used as a tea.

Remedy

In China and Japan the dried bark of the Akebie applies as a remedy and is recognized by the Japanese Ministry of Social Affairs as such. You diuretic, is anti-inflammatory, helps with absence of menstruation and while nursing. In addition, the fruit cancer healing and the root is said to have antipyretic effect. In a study on contraceptive plant in China Akebie also stood in 13th place.

Pictures

Wide open Akebia fruit

Flowers of Akebia quinata

Swell

• Finger fruit plants