Akebia

5, see text Archakebia C.Y.Wu, T.C.Chen & H.N.Qin (1995) Akebia is a genus of five species of flowering plant, within the family Lardizabalaceae.

While only a minor food eaten while foraging in the past, akebia is considered a specialty crop today, only available when in season.

An old source lists Minakuchi, Shiga and Tsugaru (now Aomori Prefecture) as localities that produced baskets from the vines of trifoliate variety.

[11] Akebia quinata is a minor invasive species in the majority of the East Coast and was introduced in 1845 as an ornamental plant.

In the East Coast, Akebia quinata has been reported in, Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Louisiana, Tennessee, South Carolina, North Carolina, Missouri, Kentucky, Virginia, West Virginia, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Vermont, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and as far north as Michigan and Wisconsin.

Akebia fruit growing in western Washington
Ripe Akebia quinata grown in Washington state