Geographic Distribution and Resource Status of Three Important Akebia Species

Species of Akebia are well-known medicinal plants that have been used in Chinese herbalism for at least 2000 years.The high medicinal and ornamental values and nutritional properties of Akebia make it a new high-value crop in China.We conducted an extensive field survey of the current native geographical distribution,morphological and pomological characteristics,and resource status on the most economically important Akebia species(i.e.A.quinata,A.trifoliata ssp.trifoliata,and A.trifoliata ssp.australis).The results showed that A.quinata was distributed in southeast China around the Yangtze River.Wild resources of this species have been seriously deteriorated due to years of over-harvesting,indicating an urgent need for reasonable conservation strategies.Resources of A.trifoliata ssp.trifoliata were also scarce,with results showing that this species generally occurred in central China around the Yellow River valley,especially along the Qinling Mountain Range.At present,several medicinal production bases of A.trifoliata ssp.trifoliata has been established in parts of China,exploiting its potential as a health-giving fruit crop.Finally,A.trifoliata ssp.australis was found to be distributed in southern China and the region south of the Yangtze River.The natural resources of this species are abundant but rarely utilized.According to our results,over-harvesting of Akebia should be prevented,while reasonable exploitation of A.trifoliata ssp.australis should beencouraged to utilize wild resources sustainably.More detailed investigation,collection,and evaluation of Akebia germplasm resources is also required.In addition,developing and populari-zing cultivation techniques that produce high yield good quality crops,as well as desirable varieties,is essential for the promotion of Akebia’s commercial development.