ability to regulate chemicals in the kidneys, liver and cardiovascular system making it a health food if regularly consumed. The stem contains approximately 30% potassium salts thus causing a diuretic action. The fruit is used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat urinary tract infections, scanty lactation, and rheumatoid arthritis. Other The vines have been traditionally used for basket-weaving which may help reduce the spread of this plant in the Eastern United States. The dried rinds have been used in Japanese fertility festivals and due to their "yonic" appearance it is thought to increase the fertility of women, although there is no scientific evidence to support these claims. Cultivation Akebia prefers sandy soils with good drainage, and regular watering, though it is drought resistant. In some areas the plant is an invasive species to be avoided. This species in considered hardy in all of the United Kingdom and Europe (down to -15 to -20 °C). In the US, it suitable for hardiness zones 4–9. Akebia quinata, and all Akebia species for that matter, will not produce fruit if not pollinated by a genetically different plant. (E.g., male flowers from the mother plant or the male flowers from a clone of the mother plant will not be able to pollinate the female flowers.) Two separate varieties or two Akebia grown from separate seeds are needed to produce to sausage-like fruits Etymology Akebia comes from the Japanese vernacular name, akebi. Akebi was originally written as け derived from and , due to how its fruit splits open when ripe. Quinata means 'divided into five' and is presumably a reference to its lobed leaves. Distribution Akebia range Akebia quinata can be found in North America from the border of Maine to as far south as Florida It is found in Australia, New Zealand, China, Japan, Korea, most of Europe and parts of Russia. This map represents the range found in the natural environment. People may also grow this plant ornamentally in India, Indonesia, Malaysia, South America and Africa. Akebia in North America Akebia quinata is a minor invasive species in the majority of the East Coast and was introduced in 1845 as an ornamental plant. This is because the plant has no natural predators or diseases in North America and can grow as it pleases. Its shade tolerance and ability to endure full sun allow it to adapt to nearly all conditions in is