Actinidia hypoleuca

Nakai

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Summary

A frost-tender deciduous climber reaching 5 meters in height. Dioecious species requiring both male and female plants for seed formation, pollinated by bees and insects. Not self-fertile. Grows in light sandy, medium loamy, or heavy clay soils from mildly acidic to basic pH. Tolerates semi-shade or full sun and prefers moist soil.

Description

Edible Uses

The fruit can be eaten raw or cooked. It reaches up to 1.5cm across and 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 temperate plant.

Where It Grows

Asia, Japan,

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. It is closely related to A. arguta and possibly no more than a variety of it. 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.