Akebia trifoliata, commonly known as Chocolate Vine or Three-Leaf Akebia, is a semi-evergreen vine native to forests, forest edges, and mountainous regions in East Asia, particularly China, Japan, Taiwan, and Korea. It can grow vigorously up to 30 feet long, with slender twining stems. The leaves are trifoliate, with three ovate leaflets that are often bronze-tinted when young. From March to May, it produces clusters of fragrant, deep purple flowers that are followed by elongated, light purple fruits with a mild flavor. The fruits are edible and are sometimes used in traditional East Asian cuisines.

Chocolate Vine is valued for its ornamental qualities, including its attractive foliage and sweet-smelling flowers. It is often used to cover trellises, arbors, and fences, and can also be effective as a ground cover. In cultivation, it prefers moist, well-drained soil and can tolerate full sun to part shade. It is relatively low-maintenance once established but may require pruning to control its growth. Akebia trifoliata is drought-tolerant and resistant to most pests and diseases. However, it can become invasive outside its native range, spreading through both seed and vegetative means, and should be planted with caution.CC BY-SA 4.0