Akebia quinata aka Chocolate Vine

Akebia quinata, also known as chocolate vine, five-leaf chocolate vine, or five-leaf akebia, is a deciduous to semi-evergreen twining woody vine that is native to Japan, China, and Korea. In its native habitat, it can be found on hills, in hedges, on trees, along forest edges and streams, and on mountainous slopes. The plant is often used as an ornamental or edible plant in the United States and Europe. The chocolate vine is a perennial vine that can be vigorous to a fault, growing up to 40 feet with palmately compound leaves. Its glossy dark green leaves grow in clusters of five, and the vine produces many dangling purple flowers with three petals in the spring, followed by fruits that resemble eggplants late in the summer. The blooms are red-purple and appear in early spring with leaves and can be lost in the five parted green foliage similar to plants in the Schefflera genus. The flowers have a delicate chocolate scent, making them unusual among hardy perennials. The fruit is edible, but not very palatable, and has tiny black seeds embedded in the pulp. Plant the chocolate vine in the spring or fall, in average well-drained soil. Expect this vine to grow quickly; as much as 20 feet a year is possible. The vine tolerates drought, wet sites, deer browsing, erosion, and heavy shade. This plant has no serious pest or disease issues, which is one reason for its reputation as a rampant grower.