Actinidia venosa
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Summary
Source: WikipediaA deciduous climbing vine reaching 9 m in height. Frost tender thriving in moist soil. Blooms June to July with seed maturation in October. Dioecious requiring separate male and female plants for seed viability. Grows across light sandy, medium loamy, and heavy clay soils with mildly acid to basic pH tolerance. Suitable for semi-shade or sunny positions.
Description
A climbing shrub. It grows to 9 m long. It loses its leaves during the year. The leaves have white hairs underneath. The leaves are oval and 5-15 cm long by 3-8 cm wide. The fruit are 1.5 cm long.
Edible Uses
The cylindrical, hairless fruit is edible raw or cooked. When fully ripe it measures 15–25mm in length. 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 Sikiang, Sichuan and N Yunnan in W China in thickets between 1000 - 3650 metres.
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 very closely related to A. pilosula and to A. trichogyna, these are all possibly just 3 varieties of one species. It is also closely related to A. callosa. There is also a form A. venosa pubescens (the name has not yet been formerly adopted,1990) found in E. Sikang in China growing at heights of 2700 - 3200m in thickets. 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.
Other Information
It is popular.
Notes
There are 40-60 Actinidia species. The Actinidiaceae are a mainly tropical family.
Synonyms
Also Known As
Phe-mith-hen-tro, Zhemenkoubu
References (3)
- Ding, X., 2021, Collection calendar: the diversity and local knowledge of wild edible plants used by Chenthang Sherpa people to treat seasonal food shortages in Tibet, China. Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine 17:40
- Ju, Y., et al, 2013, Eating from the wild: diversity of wild edible plants used by Tibetans in Shangri-la region, Yunnan, China, Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethno medicine 9:28
- C. S. Sargent, Pl. wilson. 2:383. 1915
