Hortiforum

General Info – Akebia, Chocolate Vine, Five-Leaf Chocolate Vine, Raisin Vine

Akebia produces pale violet, sausage-shaped fruits, which are truly unique in appearance. Inside each pod is sweet, soft, gelatinous white flesh surrounding black seeds, similar to the texture of white Dragon Fruit. The flavour is mild and mellow, without any sourness, often compared to Persimmon or sometimes Ice Cream Bean. Other flavour comparisons vary widely, ranging from Melon to Pear, Coconut, and Banana. The flesh can be eaten fresh or used to make preserves or drinks. The seeds are edible but slightly bitter and can irritate the throat. Once the flesh has been removed, the empty fruit shells, which have a slightly bitter taste, can be cooked as a vegetable, such as by sautéing or stuffing and frying. Being in the Lardizabalaceae family, Akebia is related to the Blue Sausage Fruit.
Akebia is a hardy and vigorous plant, well-suited to a range of conditions. Native to China, Korea, and Japan, it thrives in both warm and cool temperate climates, although it requires a long, warm summer to ensure proper fruit set and ripening. Once established, Akebia is drought-tolerant, but it prefers consistently moist soil. Mulching and summer watering are beneficial to its growth. It can tolerate both sandy and loam soils, provided they have good drainage. Unusually for a fruiting deciduous plant, Akebia is adaptable to both partial shade and full sun, though full sun is ideal for optimal fruiting and flowering, especially in cooler climates. It is reasonably tolerant of exposed positions and can withstand wind, but a strong supporting structure is essential. Cross-pollination is necessary for fruit set. Akebia is a vigorous grower and will flourish in favourable conditions. This vigour has contributed to its invasive nature in parts of Eastern North America, though it has not been reported as invasive in Australia. Gardeners should exercise caution when cultivating this plant to prevent it from becoming a weed, but if suitable, it is an excellent exotic option for temperate climates.
Commonly cultivated for its ornamental qualities, Akebia is a climbing plant well-suited to many positions and purposes. Its distinctive foliage, featuring glossy, green, five-lobed leaves, contrasts beautifully with its ornamental, popcorn-shaped flowers, which bloom in spring. These reddish-purple flowers emit a sweet fragrance, often likened to Chocolate, Vanilla, or Nutmeg. Akebia requires a sturdy support structure and thrives on trellises, archways, or pergolas, creating a stunning display in Spring. Its spreading growth can quickly screen unsightly features, but if left uncontained, it may also overpower other plants.

Plant Profile/Properties