Mock Cucumber Seedling

The five-lobed leaf already gives a playful appearance to this increasingly popular climbing plant. The clusters of hanging, deep wine-red (or pure white) flowers decorate your wall or fence in summer. The plant originates from East Asia and prefers a semi-shaded spot. Eventually, very special, grey-blue, elongated fruits (5-10 cm long and 4 cm wide) will appear, containing the seeds surrounded by a white, almost liquid fruit pulp. The entire contents are edible with a texture similar to a pomegranate. With a little lemon juice, it's a delicacy! The peel is bitter, but after baking, it too is a delight. The young shoots of the Akebia are delicious in salads, and older leaves can be used to make a healthy tea. Many applications are known in Chinese medicine, including for infections. Finally, the 1-year-old twigs are suitable as weaving material for baskets after winter. For good fruit set, two plants are needed, and it is wise to use a small brush to bring the pollen from the male flowers (usually at the top of the plant) into contact with the pistils of the female flowers of the other plant. If you see many insects at work during flowering, then manual pollination is not necessary.

Names:
Latin: Akebia quinata
Dutch: Schijnaugurk
Also known as: Chocoladerank, Klimbes
English: Chocolate Vine