Actinidia eriantha

Benth.

Velvet vine

Actinidiaceae Edible: Fruit 78 iNaturalist observations

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Summary

Actinidia eriantha is a species of flowering plant in the Chinese gooseberry family Actinidiaceae, native to southern China. A large climbing shrub, it is found in low mountain forests and grassy thickets at elevations from 200 to 1,000 m (700 to 3,300 ft). It fruits in November, which has precluded its development as a commercial crop.

Description

A climbing vine. It grows to 10 m long. It loses its leaves during the year. The leaves are pale underneath. Male and female flowers occur on separate plants. The flowers are red. The fruit are up to 3.5 cm long x 3 cm wide. They have white fuzz over the skin. They contain many small seeds.

Edible Uses

The fruit can be eaten raw or cooked. Each fruit grows up to 3.5cm long by 3cm wide and contains numerous small seeds that are soft enough to eat along with the flesh without any special preparation.

Traditional Uses

Fruit are eaten raw or cooked.

This uses section is brief — help expand it

Medicinal Uses

None known.

Distribution

It is a temperate plant. It occurs naturally in SE China in thickets at 250 - 1000 metres altitude. It is sensitive to frost.

Where It Grows

Asia, Australia, 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. 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 stratify as soon as it is received. 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 and after the last expected frosts. Be aware that most seedlings will be male. Keep seedlings well ventilated as they are prone to damping off. Softwood cuttings can be taken as soon as they are 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 also be taken in October/November in a frame.

Other Uses

None known.

Notes

There are 40-60 Actinidia species. The Actinidiaceae are a mainly tropical family.

Synonyms

Actinidia davidii (Franch.)Actinidia lanata (Hemsl.)

References (6)

Du, G., et al, 2009, Antioxidant capacity and the relationship with polyphenol and Vitamin C in Actinidia fruit. Food Chemistry 113: 557-562
Facciola, S., 1998, Cornucopia 2: a Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications. p 2
J. Proc. Linn. Soc., Bot. 5:55. 1861
Lyle, S., 2006, Discovering fruit and nuts. Land Links. p 51
Plants for a Future database, The Field, Penpol, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, PL22 0NG, UK. http://www.scs.leeds.ac.uk/pfaf/

Show all 6 references