Actinidia henryi
Dunn.
gbif· cc0
President and Fellows of Harvard College
Summary
Source: WikipediaActinidia henryi is a species of flowering plant in the Chinese gooseberry family Actinidiaceae, native to southern China. A semi-evergreen climbing shrub, it is found in mountain forests and thickets at elevations from 1,400 to 2,500 m (4,600 to 8,200 ft). It has the lowest known vitamin C content of any kiwifruit.
Description
A climbing shrub. It grows up to 15 m long. It loses some leaves during the year. The leaves are 7-14 cm long by 3-7 cm wide. The fruit are oval and 2-3 cm long.
Edible Uses
The fruit can be eaten raw or cooked. The cylindrical fruit is hairless when fully ripe and ranges from 15–30mm long. It contains a number of small seeds, which are soft enough to eat along with the fruit.
Traditional Uses
The fruit are eaten raw or cooked.
This uses section is brief — help expand it
Medicinal Uses
None known
Distribution
It is a tropical plant. It grows naturally in SW China in mountain forests between 1650 - 2650 metres in S Yunnan Province.
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 should succeed outdoors at least in the milder areas of the country. This species is closely related to A. rudis and A. hemsleyana. The ssp. A. henryi polyodonta. Hand-Mazz is also found in S. 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. Best results come from giving the seed 3 months of stratification — either sow in a cold frame as soon as it 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. 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. When plants reach 30cm or more, plant out into permanent positions in late spring or early summer, 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 taken in July/August in a frame give a very high success rate. Ripe wood cuttings can also be taken in October/November in a frame.
Other Uses
None known
Production
In China it flowers May to June and fruits October.
Notes
There are 40-60 Actinidia species. The Actinidiaceae are a mainly tropical family.
References (2)
- Bull. Misc. Inform. Kew 1906:1. 1906
- Plants for a Future database, The Field, Penpol, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, PL22 0NG, UK. http://www.scs.leeds.ac.uk/pfaf/
