Akebia quinata (Thunb. ex Houtt.) Decne.

High-climbing liane, deciduous, or ± evergreen in mild climates. Petioles to c. 12 cm long. Leaflets 5, entire; petiolules to 2 cm long on larger leaflets. Lamina of largest leaflet 3–6 × 2–4 cm, elliptic to obovate; base cuneate to rounded; basal pair of leaflets considerably smaller. Racemes 5–9 cm long, usually with 2 ♀ and 4–6 ♂ fls; fls fragrant. Peduncles slender; bracts of ♀ fls 3–5 mm long, lanceolate, acuminate; bracts of ♂ fls smaller. Pedicels filiform, much > bracts. Sepals of ♂ fls c. 6 mm long, broad-elliptic to suborbicular, valvate, pinkish purple. Stamens 3–4 mm long, incurved. Sepals of ♀ fls 11–15 mm long, suborbicular, concave, scarcely valvate, purple. Ovary of 3–6 carpels, each 4–6 mm long; stigma with prominent glistening mucilage. Fr. 8–9 cm long, sausage-shaped, mauve or purple.

[From: Webb et al. (1988) Flora of New Zealand. Volume 4.]

Flowering: Aug.–Oct.