Actinidia sabiifolia
Dunn
gbif· cc0
President and Fellows of Harvard College
gbif· cc0
President and Fellows of Harvard College
gbif· cc0
President and Fellows of Harvard College
Summary
A deciduous climbing vine reaching 5 m in height, frost-tender with seasonal foliage loss. Flowers bloom May to June. This dioecious species requires both male and female plants for seed set and depends on bees and insects for pollination. Self-sterile and non-fertile alone. Tolerates light sandy, medium loamy, and heavy clay soils across mildly acidic to mildly alkaline pH ranges. Can establish in semi-shade or full light with preference for moist growing conditions.
Description
A climbing shrub. It grows to 5 m long. It loses its leaves during the year. The leaves are pale green underneath. The leaves are 4-8 cm long by 3-4 cm wide. The fruit is dark green when mature. They are oval and 1.5-1.8 cm long.
Edible Uses
The fruit can be eaten raw or cooked. The ovoid fruit is hairless and dark green when fully ripe, growing up to 18mm long. It contains several small seeds, though these are soft enough to eat along with the rest of the fruit.
Traditional Uses
The fruit is eaten raw or cooked.
This uses section is brief — help expand it
Medicinal Uses
None known
Distribution
It is a temperate plant. It grows naturally in Guangdong, Guangxi and Fujian in SE China in mountain forests. It grows about 1,000 m above sea level.
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 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, ideally after 3 months of stratification. Alternatively, sow fresh seed in a cold frame as soon as it 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, after the last expected frosts, once 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 growth is ready in spring in a frame. Half-ripe cuttings can be taken in July/August in a frame, with a very high success rate. Ripe wood cuttings can 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
References (2)
- J. Linn. Soc., Bot. 38:357. 1908 "sabiaefolia"
- Plants for a Future database, The Field, Penpol, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, PL22 0NG, UK. http://www.scs.leeds.ac.uk/pfaf/
