Common Name:

General Information

Akebia × pentaphylla is an evergreen, climbing shrub, becoming deciduous in cold winters. The branching stems can be 12 metres or more long, they twine into any surrounding trees and shrubs or, in their absence, scramble over the ground where they can form thickets[].
The plant produces an edible fruit and can also be used in basket making. It is sometimes grown as an ornamental in gardens.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

E. Asia - Japan.

Habitat

Along the edges of semideciduous forests; at elevations from 500 - 1,100 metres[]. Woods and thickets. This species is a naturally occurring hybrid, Akebia quinata x Akebia trifoliata[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Semi-deciduous Climber
Height	9.00 m
Pollinators	Flies, Insects
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Dormant plants are hardy to about -15°c but they can be somewhat tender when young and are best given some protection at this time[].
Requires a well-drained moisture retentive soil[]. Succeeds in acid or alkaline soils[]. Prefers partial shade but succeeds in full sun[]. Succeeds on a north facing wall[].
The young growth in spring, even on mature plants, is frost-tender and so it is best to grow the plants in a position sheltered from the early morning sun[].
Resentful of root disturbance, either grow plants in containers prior to planting them out or plant them out whilst very young[].
A naturally occurring hybrid, Akebia quinata x Akebia trifoliata[].
Plants are fast growing and need careful siting in the garden or they can quickly outgrow their welcome and invade other areas. They grows well on deciduous trees[].
Plants are not normally pruned, if they are growing too large they can be cut back by trimming them with shears in early spring[].
Shy to fruit, it possibly requires some protection in the flowering season - hand pollination is advisable. Plants are also possibly self-sterile.
Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[].

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw[]. Sweet but insipid. The fruit has a delicate flavour and a soft juicy texture[]. The flavour can be enhanced by the addition of a little lemon juice. Valued as a novelty, it looks somewhat like a deep-purple coloured sausage. The thick-walled, leathery, reddish purple, oblong fruit contains numerous seeds surrounded by a sweet, gelatinous pulp[].

The dried young leaves are a tea substitute.

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

The peeled stems are very pliable. They can be bleached and used in basket making[, ].

Propagation

Seed - best sown in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe. Surface sow in a light position[]. The seed usually germinates in 1 - 3 months at 15°c[]. Stored seed should be given 1 month cold stratification[, ] and can be very difficult to germinate. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in light shade in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant out in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. This is a hybrid species and so it will not breed true from seed.
Cuttings of half-ripe wood, mid summer in a frame[, ]. The cuttings can be slow to root[].
Cuttings can also be taken of soft wood in spring[].
Root cuttings, December in a warm greenhouse[].
Layering in early spring[]. Very easy, the plants usually self-layer and so all you need to do is dig up the new plants and plant them out directly into their permanent positions.