Source: Wikimedia Commons
Chocolate vine
IntermediateAkebia quinata
A deciduous climber with palmate leaves of five leaflets, pale purple flowers in spring and purple fruits 7–10 cm long in autumn that split lengthwise when ripe. It is self-incompatible, so fruit needs pollen from another plant.
About
Akebi (Akebia quinata) is a deciduous climber of the Lardizabalaceae, native to low hills and roadsides in Honshu, Shikoku and Kyushu, and to China and Korea. Its leaves normally have five palmate leaflets—the key difference from three-leaved A. trifoliata. In April–May it bears nodding pale purple flowers: male flowers cluster at the tip of each raceme and one to three female flowers sit at the base. There are no petals; the three petal-like parts are sepals. In September–October purple fruits 7–10 cm long ripen and split lengthwise to reveal black seeds in translucent pulp. The crucial point for fruiting bonsai is self-incompatibility: pollen from another plant is required, so growers keep white-flowered akebi or early-flowering 'issai' akebi as pollinators—which is why shops sell plants labelled for crossing. Don't confuse it with goyo-akebi, a sterile natural hybrid with A. trifoliata, or with evergreen mube (Stauntonia), whose fruit does not split. It is tough in heat and cold, but fruiting drains it heavily, so pollinate only every other year to keep it vigorous.
Size of the Chocolate vine
The Chocolate vine grows to Vines 3–4 m long, twining up other trees (kept small by pruning as bonsai).
Basic Info
Origin
Japan (Honshu, Shikoku, Kyushu), China and Korea
Lifespan
Little data on lifespan
Size
Vines 3–4 m long, twining up other trees (kept small by pruning as bonsai)
Temperature
-5〜35℃
Watering & Fertilizer
Fertilizer (from when fruit reaches 2–3 cm until mid-October)
Growing Tips
Light & placement
Likes light but grows best in part shade. Avoid summer afternoon sun; outside midsummer keep it in a sunny, airy spot to keep internodes short
Watering
Dries quickly and likes water: twice daily in spring/autumn, 3–4 times in summer, every 1–2 days in winter. Soak root-bound pots occasionally; keep water off flowers
Temperature & overwintering
Tolerant of both heat and cold; no special protection needed if kept out of harsh summer sun and cold winter wind
Soil & repotting
Fine roots pot-bind easily—use free-draining soil. It buds early, so repot from mid-February in warm areas; every 2 years, as yearly repotting reduces fruiting
Fertilizer
Start lightly once fruits reach 2–3 cm, increase in June as they firm, and continue to mid-October. Fruiting takes a lot out of the plant
Pruning & styling
On mature plants pinch vigorous post-flowering shoots to 2–3 nodes. Buds form June–July. Prune unwanted branches in Feb–March; thick cuts tend to die back
Pests & cautions
Watch for spider mites, aphids, powdery mildew, sooty mould, scab and moth or sawfly larvae. Self-incompatible—keep another plant for pollination
Chocolate vine FAQ
QWhat is the growing difficulty level for Chocolate vine?
Intermediate. A variety suitable for intermediate growers. Requires some cultivation experience and knowledge of environment management. Pay careful attention to temperature and humidity control.
QHow large does Chocolate vine get?
The mature size of Chocolate vine is Vines 3–4 m long, twining up other trees (kept small by pruning as bonsai). This may vary slightly depending on cultivation environment and individual differences.
QHow should I water and fertilize Chocolate vine?
Chocolate vine: watering & fertilizer — Fertilizer (from when fruit reaches 2–3 cm until mid-October). Aim for appropriate frequency and amount.
QWhat is the typical price for Chocolate vine?
The price of Chocolate vine varies significantly by variety, characteristics, size, and lineage. Please check GrowerDirect's price guide for the latest market information.
Last updated: September 23, 2026
References & Sources
Edited & verified by: GrowerDirect Editorial Team
The classifications, regulations, and growing data on this page are created and verified based on the primary information database below.
Taxonomy & Authority
Regulations & Conservation Status
Not listed by CITES and not regulated for domestic sale. It is native to Japan—choose nursery-grown plants rather than wild-collected ones.
Sources: Species+ (CITES listing search)
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
Related Species
Find listings for this species
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