Chocolate-vine (Akebia trifoliata, Bot. Mag. (Tokyo) 39: 310 (1925))

Family: Lardizabalaceae

Author: (Thunb.) Koidz.

Bibliography: Bot. Mag. (Tokyo) 39: 310 (1925)

Year: 1925

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Akebia

Vegetable: False

Observations: C. & S. China to Japan

Description

Chocolate-vine, scientifically known as Akebia trifoliata, is a captivating plant indigenous to regions spanning Central and Southern China to Japan. Renowned for its lush foliage and delectable fruits, this member of the Lardizabalaceae family has been documented in the esteemed Botanical Magazine of Tokyo, specifically in volume 39 on page 310, published in 1925 by the botanist Koidz, who classified it based on earlier descriptions by Thunberg.

The Chocolate-vine is celebrated for its intricate trifoliate leaves, which are grouped in threes and have a leathery texture. This plant thrives in a variety of climates within its native range, showcasing a remarkable adaptability and an ability to flourish both in wild forests and cultivated gardens. Its vigorous, climbing nature makes it a popular choice for ornamental purposes, often used to adorn trellises, fences, and walls.

One of the most notable characteristics of Akebia trifoliata is its unique, finger-like fruits, which mature in the autumn. These fruits split open when ripe, revealing a creamy white, gelatinous pulp dotted with numerous tiny seeds. This pulp is not only visually intriguing but also edible, possessing a mildly sweet flavor that has earned the plant its common name, Chocolate-vine. In addition to its fruit, the plant produces small, fragrant flowers that bloom in early spring, adding an extra layer of appeal with their delicate purplish hues.

Due to its ornamental beauty and the exotic appeal of its fruit, Akebia trifoliata holds a special place in both natural and cultivated landscapes across its native regions. Its ability to enhance garden aesthetics, coupled with its low maintenance requirements, makes it a beloved plant among gardeners and botanists alike.

Common Names

Fra: akébie à trois feuilles
Eng: chocolate-vine, three-leaf akebia
Deu: kleeblättrige akebie
Swe: trebladig akebia
En: Chocolate-vine, Three-leaf akebia
Zh: San ye mu tong
Fr: Akébie à trois feuilles
De: Kleeblättrige Akebie
Ja: Mitsuba-akebi
Sv: Trebladig akebia

Synonyms

• Akebia chingshuiensis (T.Shimizu)
• Akebia sempervirens (Nakai)
• Akebia trifoliata var. clematifolia ((Siebold & Zucc.) Nakai)
• Akebia lobata var. chaffanjonii ((H.Lév.) H.Lév.)
• Akebia trifoliata subsp. australis ((Diels) T.Shimizu)
• Akebia chaffanjonii (H.Lév.)
• Akebia trifoliata var. integrifolia (T.Shimizu)
• Akebia lobata var. australis (Diels)
• Akebia trifoliata var. australis ((Diels) Rehder)
• Akebia lobata var. quercifoliata ((Siebold & Zucc.) Ito)
• Clematis trifoliata (Thunb.)
• Akebia clematifolia (Siebold & Zucc.)
• Akebia lobata var. clematifolia ((Siebold & Zucc.) Ito)
• Akebia quercifolia (Siebold & Zucc.)
• Akebia trifoliata var. honanensis (T.Shimizu)
• Akebia lobata (Decne.)
• Akebia trifoliata var. litoralis (Konta & Katsuy.)

Distribution

• China North-Central (native)
• China South-Central (native)
• China Southeast (native)
• Japan (native)
• Taiwan (native)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Jan 4, 2022 by Maarten Vanhove (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 12, 2020 by Philippe de Spoelberch (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 24, 2022 by Ivy Le Maguer (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Jan 4, 2022 by Maarten Vanhove (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Sep 12, 2020 by Philippe de Spoelberch (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Sep 12, 2020 by Philippe de Spoelberch (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/7306109)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:462097-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Akebia trifoliata (Thunb.) Koidz.)

Specifications

Growth