Akebia x pentaphylla

Family: Lardizabalaceae

What it is like

A climbing plant growing up to 9 m long. The leaves occur in threes or fives. They have a bronze-red tint when young. The purple flowers occur in groups. The larger female flowers are above the smaller male flowers. It probably needs more than one vine if plants are self sterile. Hand pollination increases fruit set. The fruit are sausage shaped and purple.

There are about 4-5 Akebia species.

Where it is found

It is cold hardy down to -15°C.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, China, Japan, Korea

How it is used for food

The fruit is eaten raw. The dried young leaves are used as a herbal tea.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seed. If possible use fresh seed or for stored seed give it one months cold treatment. Seed should be sown on the surface of the soil. The seed usually germinates in 1 - 3 months at 15°C. Plants do not transplant easily. Hand pollination helps fruit bearing. Male pollen from a separate plant should be used. As plants are probably self sterile 2 plants from different sources should be grown together. Plants can be grown from cuttings of the vine or root. Plants can also be grown by layering. In warm climates plants need to be pruned back heavily.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

A naturally occurring hybrid, Akebia quinata x Akebia trifoliata;