The flowering plant featured this month on the Wasabi calendar is the Akebia Quinata or the Chocolate Vine, a native of Japan, China and Korea whose fruit is harvested in late August and September.
Akebia grows on hedges, slopes and hills and is similar to the Dragonfruit. The rind of the fruit is used in vegetable and meat dishes and the pulp is considered a sweet delicacy but don’t eat the seeds. They are bitter and nasty. As its name implies, it has a chocolatey aroma.
However some plant guides warn that Akebia is an invasive species.
In September there are two national holidays in Japan: September 15th, Respect for the Aged and September 23 Autumnal Equinox Day. Being in the “aged” category myself, I think we deserve more than one day a year to be respected, don’t you? Thus saying, I would probably hide in my house on a Respect for the Aged day rather than be pointed out to young children:
“Look! There’s an Aged who can still walk!
Smile for the Aged, children!
Clap for the Aged!
Let’s take the Aged’s wrinkly old hand and walk the Aged through town for everyone to see!”
Yikes!
Autumnal Equinox Day marks the first official day of fall and is yet another time set aside for the Japanese to honor their ancestors. However, visiting a graveyard in late September could be deadly (no pun intended). The bulbs of the Red Spider Lily are planted in graveyards because they contain an alkaloid toxic to animals and so the graves beneath them are not disturbed. Even humans are wise to avoid the touch of the Red Spider Lily, aka Flower of Death.
And guess when these death plants blossom?
Happy September everyone! Beware the Red Spider Lily!
Saying nothing in particular 
I am aged too!? I think I’d still go out and blagg my way through the day 😁😁 I would reverse my age and say I am 27yrs!!!
Those lillies are lovely aren’t they 💜💜💜
You don’t look too much older than 27! The definition of aged depends are where you are in the cycle – that’s for sure.
its true Jan and we are not ready to give up yet are we 💜💜💜💜💜
That Akebia plant is stunning!! I want one…
I believe they’re a little too tropical for Maine. I was thinking of planting some on a now barren hill but my neighbors probably wouldn’t be too happy with me. We have enough invasive species in our yard. I have a feeling that if you don’t harvest the fruit, things could get icky and sticky!
I don’t like the sound of the word “aged,” though that’s what I am!
I know – it’s a bummer!
I don’t know what’s worse, being called “Aged” or “Elderly.” I guess either is much better than the alternative 🪦.
True! ☺️
Hi Jan, I think a day for the aged is a nice idea. I agree the aged should be respected all year round but a special day is great too. Those red spider flowers look rather sinister.
You don’t want to touch them!
Love your humor, Jan. I lol at your Respect for the Aged day rant. Happy September my friend.
Thanks Jet. Many people love to be the center of attention but it’s always been a nightmare for me! Not a good trait for a writer to have but that’s the way it is!