Akebia is a wild fruit originating in the Yangtse river valley and the surrounding areas. It includes mainly three species （subspecies）： Akebia trifoliata, Akebia trifoliata subsp, australis, and Akebia quinata. It has many good traits, such as large fruit size, early fruit-setting and high yield, excellent eating quality, and good environmental adaptability. However, there are some shortcomings with the fruit, including thick skin, excessive number of seeds, and relatively small proportion of edible flesh. Akebia is also a traditional Chinese medicine, which has the functions of relieving internal heat and diuresis, dredging venation and improving blood circulation, cleansing facial chloasma, detoxication and anti-cancer activities. Akebia can be used as fresh fruit, for processing, and for pharmaceutical purposes. We have been undertaking a series of research on the domestication and utilization of Akebia, including cultivar selection, techniques for cultivation, storage and processing, and related basic studies. A Chinese trade name “Hehuanguo” and an English trade name “Joyfruit” have been registered for Akebia to facilitate its commercial development.
