An elegant climber with twining stems. Leaves composed of 3 wavy edged leaflets. Shoots, violet when new, turn brown with age. Small deep purple flowers (both male and female), gathered in clusters are slightly cinnamon scented. Very interesting fruits, resembling a sausage in shape, are bigger than those of akebia quinata (up to 13 cm). Best planted in a sheltered position. It can be trained over various kinds of garden supports, or alternatively, allowed to scale a tree. More vulnerable to frost than akebia quinata.