Akebia quinata

Akebia quinata, or chocolate vine, is a vigorous woody climber with five-part leaves and small, fragrant purple-brown flowers. Its rapid growth can cover a trellis or fence, but it also creates a substantial containment burden and is invasive in several regions. ## Form and seasonal interest The twining stems carry palmately compound foliage that is evergreen in mild climates and deciduous after hard freezes. Fragrant flowers appear in spring; separate male and female flowers occur on the same plant. Purple, sausage-shaped fruits may follow, but fruiting requires pollination and is not dependable from a single clone. NC State Extension describes the inner fruit flesh as edible, though its texture is not to everyone’s taste. ## Siting and soil Give the vine a strong support and enough clearance from shrubs, trees, and neighboring beds. It can grow in full sun, part shade, or deep shade and tolerates clay, loam, or sandy soil with good drainage. Moist soil is suitable, and established plants may tolerate occasional dryness. The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, accepts the species as a temperate liana native to China, Japan, and Korea. ## Maintenance Check local invasive-plant guidance before planting. Where it is permitted, inspect the support and surrounding vegetation regularly, remove unwanted shoots and seedlings promptly, and contain fruit or cuttings so they cannot spread. Established vines may be difficult to eradicate. Sources: [NC State Extension](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/akebia-quinata/), [Kew Plants of the World Online](https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:106376-1).