How to Grow and Care for Chocolate vine

Chocolate vine (Akebia quinata) gets its name from the delicate chocolate scent and dark color of its purplish-brown blossoms. These flowers appear in spring, while eggplant-like fruits appear in summer and have edible pulp. Considered an invasive weed in some parts of North America.

The vine wraps from left to right, with a thick stem about 2 cm in diameter. The bark is gray-brown to reddish-brown, with round bark and irregular cracks. The leaves are alternate, palm-shaped compound leaves with three leaflets. The lobules are 2 to 6 cm long and 1.5 to 4 cm wide, oval to broad oval, concave at the tip, round at the base, and wavy serrated edges. The surface of the leaves is dark green, the back is light green, and both sides are hairless. The inflorescences are drooped or bent from the side of the new leaves, and about 10 to 30 small male flowers are attached to the tip of the inflorescence, and 1 to 3 large female flowers are attached to the base. The fruit is a berry, wrapped in thick skin and forms a stubborn cocoon. The length is about 10 cm, it is oblong, and the bulge on the tip side is larger than that of Akebi. As it ripens in the fall, the color changes from green to purple or magenta, and the skin ruptures, revealing jelly-like flesh inside. The pulp is white and contains many black seeds.

Long Raceme Chocolate Vine is a unique plant with fascinating qualities. This plant showcases an intriguing garden usage, making it a standout addition to any landscape. Another interesting fact about the long Raceme Chocolate Vine is its economic value, as it has found significant use in various industries. Additionally, the long Raceme Chocolate Vine boasts an alluring bloom that attracts a diverse range of insects and birds. With its distinctive features and multiple uses, the long Raceme Chocolate Vine is truly a remarkable and captivating plant.