Actinidia petelotii

Diels

gbif· cc-by

Moscow State University (copyright is managed by Dr. Alexey P. Seregin)

gbif· cc-by

The New York Botanical Garden

Summary

Deciduous climbing vine reaching 10 meters with frost-tender characteristics. Flowers bloom May to June with seeds ripening September to October. Requires both male and female plants for seed set. Adapts to sandy, loamy, or clay soils across neutral to alkaline pH ranges, thriving in semi-shade to full sun with consistent moisture.

Description

Edible Uses

The cylindrical fruit can be eaten raw or cooked. When fully ripe it is hairless and up to 1.5cm long. It contains numerous small seeds, which are soft enough to eat along with the flesh.

Medicinal Uses

None known.

Distribution

It grows naturally in S. China and is found at elevations around 1800 metres in Tonkin.

Where It Grows

Asia, China, Indochina, SE Asia, Vietnam,

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 might succeed outdoors at least in the milder areas of the country. It is closely related to A. strigosa. This species is treated as a synonym of A. rudis 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. Best results come from 3 months of stratification — either sow in a cold frame as soon as the seed 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. Most seedlings will be male. Seedlings are prone to damping off and must be kept well ventilated. Take softwood cuttings in spring as soon as material is ready, half-ripe cuttings in July/August, or ripe wood cuttings in October/November — all in a frame. Half-ripe cuttings have a very high success rate.