Actinidia tetramera
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Wikimedia Commons - peganum from Small Dole, England
wikimedia· cc-by-sa
Wikimedia Commons - peganum from Small Dole, England
Summary
Source: WikipediaActinidia tetramera is a species of flowering plant belonging to the family Actinidiaceae, that is native to Central China. It is a vigorous climber that can reach 8 m (26 ft) tall and broad. The ovate leaves are dark green with bright white flashes on the surface. The species is dioecious, meaning that male and female plants are separate. Fruit is only borne on a fertilised female plant. In Mandarin Chinese, the plant is known as sìè míhóutáo (Chinese: 四萼猕猴桃; trans. "four calyx kiwifruit"). This plant is valued in cultivation for its ornamental qualities. It prefers a sheltered spot in sun or partial shade. In the UK, the variety A. tetramera var. maloides has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.
Description
A climber. It loses its leaves during the year. It grows to 17 m long. The leaves are narrowly oval and 4-8 cm long by 2-4 cm wide. The fruit is 2 cm long.
Edible Uses
The ovoid, hairless fruit is edible raw or cooked. It turns orange when fully ripe and grows up to 2cm long. The fruit 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 Kansu, Shensi, W. Hupeh, Sichuan and Sikang Provinces in W. China. in thickets, 1300 - 2700 metres. In Yunnan.
Where It Grows
Asia, China, Himalayas, Tibet,
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. kolomikta. 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. Prick seedlings out into individual pots once large enough to handle, and grow on in light shade in the greenhouse through at least their first winter. Plant out into permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts, once plants reach 30cm or more. Note that most seedlings are male. Keep seedlings well ventilated as they are prone to damping off. 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.
Notes
There are 40-60 Actinidia species. The Actinidiaceae are a mainly tropical family.
Synonyms
Also Known As
Dzimadzile
References (4)
- Hu, Shiu-ying, 2005, Food Plants of China. The Chinese University Press. p 553
- Kang, Y. et al, 2014, Wild food plants used by the Tibetans of Gongba Valley (Zouqu country, Gansu, China) Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine 10:20
- Plants for a Future database, The Field, Penpol, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, PL22 0NG, UK. http://www.scs.leeds.ac.uk/pfaf/
- Trudy Imp. S.-Peterburgsk. Bot. Sada 11:35. 1890
