Actinidia valvata
Dunn
iNaturalist· cc-by
(c) 王天, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by 王天
iNaturalist· cc-by-nc
(c) Guanning Liu, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC)
iNaturalist· cc-by-nc
(c) Guanning Liu, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC)
Summary
Source: WikipediaActinidia valvata is a species of flowering plant in the Chinese gooseberry family Actinidiaceae, native to southern China. A deciduous climbing shrub, it is found in open woodlands and in thickets, preferring mountain valley bottoms, around 1,000 m (3,300 ft) above sea level. As a crop wild relative of kiwifruit, it is being studied for its resistance to waterlogging, with an eye towards using it as a rootstock.
Description
A climbing shrub. It grows to 12 m long. The leaves are pale green underneath. The leaves are 5-13 cm long by 3-8 cm wide. The fruit are 2.5 cm long.
Edible Uses
The ovoid fruit is edible raw or cooked. It turns orange when fully ripe and grows up to 2.5cm long. The fruit contains several small seeds, which are soft enough to eat along with the flesh without any trouble.
Traditional Uses
The fruit are eaten raw or cooked.
This uses section is brief — help expand it
Medicinal Uses
None known.
Distribution
It grows naturally in N. Kiansi, S. Anhui, S. Kiangsu and Chekiang in E. China in thickets between 200 - 800 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. It is very closely related to A. polygama. 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.
Also Known As
Maorenshen
References (2)
- J. Linn. Soc., Bot. 39:404. 1911
- Plants for a Future database, The Field, Penpol, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, PL22 0NG, UK. http://www.scs.leeds.ac.uk/pfaf/
