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.
Snap a photo for instant plant ID, gaining quick insights on disease prevention, treatment, toxicity, care, uses, and symbolism, etc.
Download the App for Free
Perennial
Lifespan
Vine, Shrub
Plant Type
Spring, Late winter
Bloom Time
1.2 cm to 1.6 cm
Flower Size
Purple, Black, Lavender
Fruit Color
Purple, Red, Pink, Brown
Flower Color
Green, Purple
Stem Color
Semi-evergreen
Leaf type
5 - 32 ℃
Ideal Temperature
Spring
Growth Season
Rapid
Growth Rate
On This Page
Images
Distribution
Quickly Identify
Care Guide
FAQs
Common Diseases
Images of Chocolate vine
Distribution of Chocolate vine
Distribution Map
Chocolate vine is native to East Asia, where it is a prominent species in various regional ecosystems. Outside its native range, chocolate vine has been introduced to parts of Europe and Australasia, and it is cultivated for its ornamental value. This plant may be considered invasive in certain areas of Europe and New Zealand, where it is sometimes thought to have an impact on local ecosystems. The extent of its cultivation, along with natural robustness, contributes to this dynamic presence in both native and non-native regions.
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Introduced
No species reported
Discover plant distribution and habitat
Gain insights into where plants thrive and how they adapt, helping you identify, cultivate, and protect them with essential information on habitats, distribution maps, and climate trends.
Download the App for Free
Habitat
Woods, Hedges and thickets
Hemisphere Trend Curve
Northern
Sorthern
Quickly Identify Chocolate vine
1
Woody twining growth up to 30 feet (9 meters)
2
Palmately compound leaves with 5 leaflets, purple tinge
3
Fragrant purplish-brown flowers with 3 petal-like structures
4
Elongated, sausage-shaped fruit with purple skin and white flesh
5
Slender, twining stem with color change from green to brown
Identify plants with a snap
Instantly identify plants with AI: Snap a photo, and get accurate results within seconds.
Water:
Chocolate vine thrives in moderate moisture conditions and can tolerate short droughts. Weekly watering is optimal for growth. As an outdoor plant that climbs over trellises, consistent soil moisture supports its vigorous growth during the active season.
Fertilize:
To promote healthy growth and blooms for chocolate vine, fertilize with a high-phosphorus and potassium formula in early spring, followed by balanced feed every 4-6 weeks. Reduce feeding in winter dormancy, use slow-release fertilizers, and always water before and after application to protect roots.
Propagation:
Chocolate vine, a fast-growing, semi-evergreen vine from East Asia, features fragrant purple flowers. Propagation can be achieved via seeds after cold stratification or semi-hardwood cuttings in summer. It prefers well-drained soil, thriving in full sun with regular watering until establishment.
Get tips and tricks for your plants.
Keep your plants happy and healthy with our guide to watering, lighting, feeding and more.