[3] Akebia quinata is a climbing evergreen shrub that grows to 10 m (30 ft) or more in height and has palmately compound leaves with five elliptic or obovate leaflets that are notched at the tip.

[9] The flowers bloom generally in April - May[10] and produce a "chocolatey" aroma which is often compared to vanilla or sometimes nutmeg rather than chocolate.

[11] (see photo in Gallery) Akebia quinata consumption has been shown in-vitro to lower cholesterol levels present in the blood of rodents.

[12]Akebia also has the ability to regulate chemicals in the kidneys, liver and cardiovascular system making it a health food if regularly consumed.

The fruit is used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat urinary tract infections, scanty lactation, and rheumatoid arthritis.

[19] Akebia quinata is native to China, Japan (all major islands except Hokkaido[10]) and the Korean peninsula,[22] but is cultivated globally.

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.