Actinidia asymmetrica

F. Chun

Actinidiaceae Edible: Fruit

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James St. John (via Wikimedia Commons)

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Nobu Tamura (http://spinops.blogspot.com) (via Wikimedia Commons)

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Summary

Source: Wikipedia

A deciduous climbing vine reaching 5 m tall with frost-tender growth. Flowers appear April to June, with seeds ripening in November. The species is dioecious, requiring both male and female plants for seed production, and is pollinated by bees and insects. Tolerates light sandy, medium loamy, and heavy clay soils across mildly acidic to basic pH ranges. Grows in semi-shade or full sun and prefers consistently moist soil.

Description

A climber to 5 m tall. Male and female flowers occur on separate plants. The fruit are 2.2 cm long and 1 cm wide and contain many small seeds.

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Edible Uses

The fruit can be eaten raw or cooked. It turns grayish-green when fully ripe, measuring about 2.2cm long and 1cm wide. The fruit contains a number of small seeds, which are soft enough to eat along with the flesh.

Traditional Uses

The fruit are eaten raw or cooked.

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Medicinal Uses

None known

Distribution

It occurs naturally in Kwangsi province China on mountain slopes around 1360 metres

Where It Grows

Asia, China,

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 treated as no more than a synonym of A. fortunatii in the draft Flora of China. 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 fresh seed in a cold frame as soon as it ripens in November, or stratify stored seed before spring sowing. Fresh seed germinates in 2–3 months at 10°C; stored seed may take longer. Once seedlings are large enough to handle, prick them 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 are 30cm or more tall, after the last expected frosts. Note that most seedlings are male. Seedlings are prone to damping off and must be kept well ventilated. Softwood cuttings can be taken as soon as they are ready in spring, in a frame. Half-ripe cuttings can be taken in July/August in a frame, with a very high success rate. Ripe wood cuttings can be taken in October/November in a frame.