North American Fruit Explorers mailing list at ibiblio

[Richard Moyer <ramoyer@gmail.com>]

Both Cheekwood Arboretum in Nashville and J.C. Raulston (NC State) Arboretum in Raleigh grow multiple akebia on arbors, pergolas, etc, over walkways or entrances to great effect.  Adam and Sue Turtle (NAFEX members) also growing it on a bent wire arch.  Hence prevented from running over and up other plants. The unusual fruits are displayed, hanging down like plump purple bratwurst.  
A.J. Bullard described the flavor as tapioca with seeds, but still quite bland to insipid.