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Actinidia arguta - (Siebold.&Zucc.)Planch. ex Miq.

Tara Vine

Author	(Siebold.&Zucc.)Planch. ex Miq.	Botanical references	11, 200
Family	Actinidiaceae	Genus	Actinidia
Synonyms	Actinidia megalocarpa - Nakai. Trochostigma arguta - Siebold.&Zucc.
Known Hazards	None known
Range	E. Asia - China, Japan
Habitat	Climbing up trees in woodland, mountain forests, thickets, streamsides and moist places at elevations of 700 - 3600 metres[11, 198,266].
Edibility Rating	5 (1-5)	Medicinal Rating	0 (1-5)

Physical Characteristics

A decidious Climber growing to 15m.

The plant prefers light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. The plant prefers acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It requires moist soil.

Habitats

Woodland Garden; Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; South Wall By; West Wall By;

Cultivars: (as above except)
'Ananasnaja'
'Issai'
'Langer'

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit; Sap.

Fruit - raw, cooked or dried for later use[1, 3, 61, 105]. Sweeter than A. deliciosa, the kiwi fruit[183], the skin is smooth and can be eaten with the fruit[K]. The fruit contains up to 5 times the vitamin C content of blackcurrants[74]. Highly esteemed according to one report[151] whilst another says that they are insipid[11]. The fruits are greenish-yellow or purple-red when mature and are about 2 to 3cm long[198, 266]. They contain a number of small seeds, but these are easily eaten with the fruit[K]. The plant is rich in sap and this can be tapped and drunk in the spring[105, 177, 183].

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.

None known

Other Uses

None known

Scented Plants

Flowers: Fresh

The small flowers are sweetly scented.

Cultivation details

Prefers a sound loamy neutral soil[1, 200]. Tolerates acid and moderately alkaline soils[202]. Succeeds in semi-shade but full sun is best for fruit production[200]. Prefers a sheltered position[200]. A very hardy plant, tolerating temperatures down to -30°c or more, but the young spring growth is susceptible to frost damage[160]. Some cultivars are said to tolerate temperatures down to about -50°c when fully dormant[160]. This species is often cultivated for its edible fruit and it is increasingly being seen as having potential in Britain. There are some named varieties[183]. Plants are usually dioecious but the cultivar 'Issai' is self-fertile[200]. A polymorphic species[74]. Fruits are formed on second year wood and also on fruit spurs on older wood[126], any pruning is best carried out in the winter[219]. Plants only flower when grown in warm climates[202]. This species flowers well in gardens in the south and west of Britain[219], the small flowers being sweetly scented[245]. This is a climbing plant, supporting itself by twining around branches etc[200]. Male and female plants must usually be grown if seed is required. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[200].

Propagation

Seed - sow spring in a greenhouse[133]. It is probably best if the seed is given 3 months stratification[113], either sow it in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe in November or as soon as it is received. Fresh seed germinates in 2 - 3 months at 10°c, stored seed can take longer[133]. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in light shade in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. When the plants are 30cm or more tall, plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts[K]. Most seedlings are male[126]. The seedlings are subject to damping off, so they must be kept well ventilated[113]. Cuttings of softwood as soon as ready in spring in a frame[K]. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, July/August in a frame. Very high percentage[113]. Cuttings of ripe wood, October/November in a frame.

Cultivars

'Ananasnaja'

A medium-size fruit, 4cm long and 2½cm in diameter[183]. Juicy and sweet with a distinct pineapple-like aroma and flavour[183]. Possibly a hybrid with A. kolomikta, it is a reliable bearer that often produces fruit in bunches like grapes[183]. A very hardy plant, tolerating temperatures down to -35°c when fully dormant[183].

'Issai'

A long fruit, up to 4cm in diameter, it is sweet with a good flavour and high quality[183]. The fruit is seedless when it is not pollinated[183]. This cultivar can produce fruits in the absence of a male pollinator, often in the first year after grafting, but yields will be increased if the plant is pollinated[183].

'Langer'

Bears medium-size fruit of fine quality[183]. The original plant is from a homestead high in the Cascade Mountains where it had to endure summer droughts, deep snow, severe cold and wind, and other adverse conditions[183].

Links

This plant is also mentioned in the following PFAF articles: Alternative fruits.

References

[K] Ken Fern
Notes from observations, tasting etc at Plants For A Future and on field trips.

[1] F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press 1951
Comprehensive listing of species and how to grow them. Somewhat outdated, it has been replaces in 1992 by a new dictionary (see [200]).

[3] Simmons. A. E. Growing Unusual Fruit. David and Charles 1972 ISBN 0-7153-5531-7
A very readable book with information on about 100 species that can be grown in Britain (some in greenhouses) and details on how to grow and use them.

[11] Bean. W. Trees and Shrubs Hardy in Great Britain. Vol 1 - 4 and Supplement. Murray 1981
A classic with a wealth of information on the plants, but poor on pictures.

[61] Usher. G. A Dictionary of Plants Used by Man. Constable 1974 ISBN 0094579202
Forget the sexist title, this is one of the best books on the subject. Lists a very extensive range of useful plants from around the world with very brief details of the uses. Not for the casual reader.

[74] Komarov. V. L. Flora of the USSR. Israel Program for Scientific Translation 1968
An immense (25 or more large volumes) and not yet completed translation of the Russian flora. Full of information on plant uses and habitats but heavy going for casual readers.

[105] Tanaka. T. Tanaka's Cyclopaedia of Edible Plants of the World. Keigaku Publishing 1976
The most comprehensive guide to edible plants I've come across. Only the briefest entry for each species, though, and some of the entries are more than a little dubious. Not for the casual reader.

[113] Dirr. M. A. and Heuser. M. W. The Reference Manual of Woody Plant Propagation. Athens Ga. Varsity Press 1987 ISBN 0942375009
A very detailed book on propagating trees. Not for the casual reader.

[126] ? The Plantsman. Vol. 6. 1984 - 1985. Royal Horticultural Society 1984
Excerpts from the periodical giving cultivation details and other notes on some of the useful plants including Actinidia and Wisteria species.

[133] Rice. G. (Editor) Growing from Seed. Volume 1. Thompson and Morgan. 1987
Very readable magazine with lots of information on propagation.

[151] Wilson. E. H. and Trollope. M. N. Corean Flora. Royal Asiatic Society 1918
A very small handbook, it does give a little bit of information on Korean plants.

[160] Natural Food Institute, Wonder Crops. 1987. 0
Fascinating reading, this is an annual publication. Some reports do seem somewhat exaggerated though.

[177] Kunkel. G. Plants for Human Consumption. Koeltz Scientific Books 1984 ISBN 3874292169
An excellent book for the dedicated. A comprehensive listing of latin names with a brief list of edible parts.

[183] Facciola. S. Cornucopia - A Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications 1990 ISBN 0-9628087-0-9
Excellent. Contains a very wide range of conventional and unconventional food plants (including tropical) and where they can be obtained (mainly N. American nurseries but also research institutes and a lot of other nurseries from around the world.

[198] Li. H. L. Journal of the Arnold Arboretum. Volume 32. Arnold Arboretum. 1952
A monograph of the genus Actinidia.

[200] Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press 1992 ISBN 0-333-47494-5
Excellent and very comprehensive, though it contains a number of silly mistakes. Readable yet also very detailed.

[202] Davis. B. Climbers and Wall Shrubs. Viking. 1990 ISBN 0-670-82929-3
Contains information on 2,000 species and cultivars, giving details of cultivation requirements. The text is terse but informative.

[219] Grey-Wilson. C. & Matthews. V. Gardening on Walls Collins 1983 ISBN 0-00-219220-0
A nice little book about plants for growing against walls and a small section on plants that can grow in walls.

[245] Genders. R. Scented Flora of the World. Robert Hale. London. 1994 ISBN 0-7090-5440-8
An excellent, comprehensive book on scented plants giving a few other plant uses and brief cultivation details. There are no illustrations.

[266] Flora of China 1994
On-line version of the Flora - an excellent resource giving basic info on habitat and some uses.

Readers Comments

Plants for a Future does not verify the accuracy of reader comments, use at your own risk. In particular Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. You should always consult a professional before using plants medicinally.

Actinidia arguta

Hal Tue May 4 21:09:28 2004

Phylogenetic analysis has recently shown that 'Issai' is derived from a cross between a male A. arguta and a female A. rufa.

Actinidia arguta

Victor Evereklian Fri Jun 2 2006

I bought an actinidia arguta vine 4 years ago.The label said it was both male and female.This year it produced flowers that seem to bear fruit.My question is,did I buy 2 vines (male and female),or is the vine I have self-pollinating?Also,why don't I see 2 types of flowers (male and female)?The flowers on the vine seem to be all female,so how are they being pollinated?Thank you for sending me answers to these questions.Victor.

Actinidia arguta

Mo Studd Wed Jun 6 2007

I purchased an Actinidia arguta 'Issai' (miniature kiwi fruit) two years ago both years there has been a lot of blossom but no fruit set. I see from the label this is suppposed to be a self fertilising plant and it is not necessary to have a male and female. As I am not getting any fruit can anyone tell me what is wrong@ Did you actually get fruit Victor? Mo

Actinidia arguta

Sat Jun 20 2009

I have two female and 1 male plants of actinidia arguta. Female ones flowered the first year, but not the male, and I could get fruit from them. Why is this possible? I have near some actinidia deliciosa males. Could those plants pollinate the actinidia arguta? Thanks.

Actinidia arguta

Wouter Mon Jun 29 2009

Let me shed some light on the questions above. Actinidia arguta is not self pollinating, so guys, the labels are wrong. Whether this is bad intent from the person who sold them, or just unawearness of this fact, I'll leave in the middle. The female plants will produce almost seedless fruits(you can see some seed start, but they aren't actually developped) that are relatively small, even for an A. arguta. If they are pollinated, the fruits will be much larger. This knowledge comes from my personal experience with A. arguta 'Kens Red'. And if you get flowers but no fruits, sorry, but you have a male plant. Hope this sheds some light.

Actinidia arguta

Raffi Wed Jul 22 2009

Plants.am garden wiki: A. Arguta cultivation information

Actinidia arguta

John S Sun Oct 11 2009

Actually, Issai is self-fertile. The other argutas will produce a larger, more productive and stronger plant, but Issai is self producing. I grow it.

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