Actinidia arisanensis

Hayata

Actinidiaceae Edible: Fruit 255 iNaturalist observations

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Summary

Actinidia arisanensis is a deciduous climbing vine growing to 5 m with frost tenderness. Flowers appear April to June with seeds ripening October to November. The plant is dioecious requiring both sexes for seed production and is pollinated by bees and insects. It establishes in sandy, loamy, or clay soils across mildly acidic to alkaline pH ranges, tolerating semi-shade to full sun and preferring moist soil.

Description

A climber. It loses its leaves during the year. It can grow 5 m tall. Plants are separately male and female. The fruit are 205 cm long. It contains small seeds.

Edible Uses

The fruit can be eaten raw or cooked. It measures 15–50mm long and contains numerous small seeds, which are easily eaten along with the fruit.

Traditional Uses

The fruit can be eaten raw or cooked. The seeds can also be eaten.

This uses section is brief — help expand it

Medicinal Uses

None known.

Distribution

It grows in thickets and forests. It grows between 1,160-2,260 m above sea level. It is damaged by frost.

Where It Grows

Asia, China, Taiwan,

Cultivation

We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it could succeed outdoors at least in the milder areas of the country. It is a polymorphic species that is closely related to A. hemsleyana. According to the draft of the Flora of China, this species is no more than a synonym for A. callosa. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Prefers a sound loamy neutral soil. Succeeds in semi-shade but full sun is best for fruit production. Prefers a sheltered position. Young spring growth is susceptible to frost damage. Fruits are formed on second year wood and also on fruit spurs on older wood, any pruning is best carried out in the winter. This is a climbing plant, supporting itself by twining around branches etc. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus. Dioecious. Male and female plants must be grown if seed is required.

Propagation

Sow seed in spring in a greenhouse. Three months of stratification is recommended — either sow in a cold frame as soon as seed is ripe in November, or as soon as it is received. Fresh seed germinates in 2–3 months at 10°C; stored seed may take longer. When seedlings are large enough to handle, prick out into individual pots and grow on in light shade in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant out into permanent positions in late spring or early summer when plants reach 30cm or more, after the last expected frosts. Most seedlings are male. Seedlings are prone to damping off and must be kept well ventilated. Softwood cuttings can be taken as soon as growth is ready in spring and rooted in a frame. Half-ripe cuttings taken in July/August root at a very high percentage. Ripe wood cuttings can be taken in October/November in a frame.