Actinidia maloides — Edible Plant | Edible Plant Database

Summary

A deciduous climbing vine growing to 6 meters, frost tender in cold climates. Flowers from May to June; seeds mature from October to November. Dioecious species requiring both male and female specimens for seed production; pollination by bees and insects. Suitable for sandy, loamy, or clay soils with mildly acid to alkaline pH preference. Grows equally well in semi-shade or full sun with preference for moist soil.

Description

A deciduous climbing vine growing to 6 meters, frost tender in cold climates. Flowers from May to June; seeds mature from October to November. Dioecious species requiring both male and female specimens for seed production; pollination by bees and insects. Suitable for sandy, loamy, or clay soils with mildly acid to alkaline pH preference. Grows equally well in semi-shade or full sun with preference for moist soil.

Edible Uses

The fruit can be eaten raw or cooked. It grows up to 2cm long and contains several small seeds, which are soft enough to eat along with the flesh without any trouble.

Traditional Uses

The fruit is eaten raw or cooked.

This uses section is brief — help expand it

Medicinal Uses

None known.

Distribution

It grows naturally in in Sinkang Province in W. China thickets on mountain slopes around 2000 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 should succeed outdoors at least in the milder areas of the country. This species has the showiest flowers of any member of this genus. It is a newly named species that is closely related to A. kolomikta but more closely to A. tetramera. It does not yet(1952) have a valid name. This species is treated as a synonym of A. kolomikta 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, ideally after 3 months of stratification. Alternatively, sow in a cold frame as soon as seed is ripe in November or upon receipt. 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, once frost risk has passed, when plants are 30cm or more tall. 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, rooted in a frame. Half-ripe cuttings taken in July/August in a frame achieve a very high success rate. Ripe wood cuttings can also be taken in October/November in a frame.