This is a relative of the Kiwi fruit. It deciduous dioecious climber with large dark green leaves tinged with purple and often variegated in the apical half of the leaf. The clusters of creamy white, fragrant flowers are hidden beneath the leaves and are attractive to bees. It was first collected from Hokkaido, Japan, by Charles Maries for the Veitch Nurseries in Chelsea in 1878. Its natural habitat is woodland. The known pests include cats.
