UFO (Unique Flowering / Fruiting Object) Alert: Akebia

     Reports have been flocking in, about a beautiful yet bizarre blossoming vine -- the akebia. It features a magnificently heady fragrance, petite flowers, and finally -- an uncanny autumn fruit, shaped like a sausage. But where exactly did they originate -- and what is their function?

     They are actually native to Asia -- and sometimes even used in cancer treatments. That being said, a few years back, herbal extracts of akebia were being dangerously adulterated with a quite deadly aristolochia -- causing some unfortunate ingesters to even require kidney transplants! So make sure you do your research before taking anything like that -- especially those Chinese combination herbs. You just don't know what you might be getting into!

      I purchased an akebia quinata (five-leaf species) at a local outdoor-oriented discount store (Paul's, to be precise). This variety is called 'Alba' for its white flowers; other varieties have a reddish-purple hue. The fragrance was so intoxicating -- it definitely made the ride home a more pleasant experience, even through the bizarrely-engineered Clinton (IA) roads! 

     Dad and I planted the vine adjacent to the old wisteria, which is pretty much dead, except for its volunteer seedlings that have spread throughout the yard. I also did plenty of research, especially at an amazing UK site called 'Plants for a Future.' They gave the akebia 4 out of 5 stars for edibility or flavor -- a good sign. But another site explained that the fruit is actually 95% seeds, and that the seeds may even cause tummy aches! Maybe I'll let the birds pick them out.

     It was also difficult to find much written about them in any of my edible plant catalogs, although I haven't checked ForestFarm's encyclopedic volume yet. But it looks like it could be a very robust, endearing contender for yet another vine on the fence. So I may just have to buy another -- or two more!

      Akebias are also self-pollinating, with both male and female flowers on the same plant. But you would probably get more fruit by planting two different varieties.

     On the "dark side," they have become invasive in some southern states. So beware, and try to keep them confined if you happen to live in one of those areas. Although, as I've said before, some of the problems associated with invasives may be a blessing in disguise. And since this plant seems to be more useful than some of the poisonous "replacements" that officials recommend, why not just try to take advantage of it? After all, God makes every plant and creature for a reason.

      Just be prepared to take the risk -- or else you may just be faced with your own little "invasion of the pod people!"