Region: east Asia, Myanmar, Japan, Korea.
Habitat: thickets, woodland, lowland; well-drained, moisture retentive soil;a sheltered position; in acid or alkaline soils; in full sun or in semi-shade; prefers roots in a shady position, top into the sun.
Use: fruit, raw or cooked, highly esteemed, edible.
BotanyEvergreen, climbing shrub.
Stem: woody; up to 12 metres long; twining around other plants.
Pollination: by insects
Flowers: dioecious; have a pleasant sweet perfume
Fruit: sweet, honey-like; watery; up to 5cm long.