Source: Wikimedia Commons
Japanese staunton vine
IntermediateStauntonia hexaphylla
An evergreen relative of akebi, also called tokiwa-akebi ('evergreen akebi'). In spring it bears flowers with white sepals marked red-purple inside, and in autumn purple fruits 5–8 cm long that, unlike akebi, rarely split open.
About
Mube (Stauntonia hexaphylla) is an evergreen climber of the Lardizabalaceae found in Honshu west of Yamagata and Fukushima, Shikoku, Kyushu and Okinawa, as well as Korea and China. As its other name tokiwa-akebi ('evergreen akebi') suggests, keeping its leaves all year is the main difference from akebi. Leaves have five to seven palmate leaflets (three on young plants), and leaves and stems are tougher than akebi's. In April–May it bears flowers in clusters on long stalks from the leaf axils; both sexes occur on one plant, the male flowers pale pink and the female flowers with white petal-like sepals marked dark red-purple inside. In October–November oval fruits 5–8 cm long ripen purple but, unlike akebi, rarely split, hanging on the vine for a long time. The pulp is sweeter than akebi's and was reportedly once presented to the imperial court. Evergreen leaves and fruit that barely opens identify it. Getting fruit takes some skill, such as hard pruning to promote flowering, and keeping two or more plants is the reliable route. Vines grow fast, over 1 m a year, so pot-grown plants are kept in shape by pruning. Bonsai shops sell it as medium-size bonsai, though less commonly than akebi.
Size of the Japanese staunton vine
The Japanese staunton vine grows to Vines 5–15 m long (kept small by pruning as bonsai).
Basic Info
Origin
Japan (Honshu west of Yamagata/Fukushima, Shikoku, Kyushu, Okinawa), Korea and China
Lifespan
Little data on lifespan
Size
Vines 5–15 m long (kept small by pruning as bonsai)
Temperature
-5〜35℃
Watering & Fertilizer
Fertilizer (little bonsai-specific data)
Growing Tips
Light & placement
Prefers a sunny, well-drained position
Temperature & overwintering
A warm-climate plant once limited to warm coasts and valleys, though it now grows as far north as Tohoku
Soil & repotting
Plant in free-draining soil enriched with leaf mould. It is said to resent transplanting, so disturb the roots gently
Pruning & styling
Vines grow over 1 m a year—train and prune to stop them sprawling, and prune firmly to promote flowering
Pests & cautions
Both sexes on one plant, but fruiting takes skill—two or more plants are the reliable route. The fruit barely splits; choose akebi if you want opening fruit
Japanese staunton vine FAQ
QWhat is the growing difficulty level for Japanese staunton 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 Japanese staunton vine get?
The mature size of Japanese staunton vine is Vines 5–15 m long (kept small by pruning as bonsai). This may vary slightly depending on cultivation environment and individual differences.
QHow should I water and fertilize Japanese staunton vine?
Japanese staunton vine: watering & fertilizer — Fertilizer (little bonsai-specific data). Aim for appropriate frequency and amount.
QWhat is the typical price for Japanese staunton vine?
The price of Japanese staunton 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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