Actinidia indochinensis
Merr.
Wikimedia Commons - Crowhurst et al.
President and Fellows of Harvard College
What to Eat
Edible parts: Fruit
Fruit - raw or cooked. The sub-globose fruit is about 45mm long and 40mm wide. It contains a number of small seeds, but these are easily eaten with the fruit.
Where to Find It
E. Asia - southern China, northern Vietnam
Asia, China, SE Asia, Vietnam,
How to Identify
A deciduous climbing shrub in the Actinidiaceae family, known for its edible fruit.
How to Grow
Actinidia indochinensis is a plant mainly of the subtropical zones of southern China and northern Vietnam, just entering into the tropics at elevations of 600 - 2,000 metres. The mature growth is likely to tolerate at least some frost, though the young growth is very susceptible to frost damage. Prefers a sound loamy neutral soil. Succeeds in semi-shade but full sun is best for fruit production. Prefers a sheltered position. Fruits are formed on second year wood and also on fruit spurs on older wood, any pruning is best carried out when the plant is leafless. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus. Dioecious. Male and female plants must be grown if seed is required.
Propagation: Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a nursery seedbed. Stored seed, or the seed of plants from colder latitudes, will probably germinate better if it is given 3 months cold stratification. Fresh seed germinates in 2 - 3 months at 10°c, stored seed can take longer. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in light shade. When the plants are 30cm or more tall, plant them out into their permanent positions. Most seedlings are male. The seedlings are subject to damping off, they must be kept well ventilated. Cuttings of softwood in a frame. Cuttings of half-ripe wood in a frame. Very high percentage. Cuttings of ripe wood in a frame.
Names & Synonyms
References (1)
- Flora of China.
