Akebia longeracemosa

Akebia longeracemosa or long-racemed akebia is a member of the chocolate vine genus, Akebia, and more specifically a relative of the commonly known, Akebia quinata.

Description
It is a twining, semi-evergreen climbing vine which grows up to 8m tall with bright green foliage comprising five, oblong leaflets that may be tinged purple in winter. Fragrant, cup-shaped, purple-red spring flowers borne in pendulous racemes to 15cm long may be followed by purplish, sausage-shaped fruits if cross pollination between two separate species or varieties occurs.

Morphological and molecular evidence suggests that A. longeracemosa is possibly a hybrid between A. quinata and A. trifoliata.

Culinary
Like most species of Akebia, A. longeracemosa can be eaten and produces purple fruiting bodies similar to A. quinata however there is a lack of information regarding the flavor of this species in particular.