Akebia
(Akebia quinata)
A liana from the forests of Asia, the Akebia climbs and winds its stems around large plants to reach light. Luxuriant, it develops generous foliage and is adorned with beautiful clusters of flowers with the smell of chocolate, ranging from purple to wine.
Hot summers prompt fleshy fruit. Their gelatinous pulp with a hint of apple is edible, including by monkeys who feed on it in winter.
The fruits are used in traditional medicine to improve memory and blood circulation.