This species is often confused with the closely related Actinidia polygama, but it can be distinguished by its leaves which are heart-shaped at the base whilst those of Actinidia polygama are tapered[].
Actinidia kolomikta has been divided into two species by some botanists - those plants growing in western China being treated as Actinidia gagnepainii Nakai. However, the differences between the two are now considered to be too slight and not constant enough to justify such separation[].
The classification of the genus Actinidia is difficult and the taxonomy of some taxa is still confusing. Various studies since 1984 have estimated the genus to comprise anywhere between 54 - 76 species. The species of Actinidia are highly variable in their vegetative structures, as well as in their flowers and fruits, which is the main reason for the difficulty in the classification of the genus. A detailed study of the genus, based on a wide range of specimens, is needed to clarify the situation and it could be many more years of work until a natural classification system is found - Xinwei LI, Jianqiang LI, Djaja Djendoel SOEJART; Advances in the study of the systematics of Actinidia Lindley; Front. Biol. China 2009, 4(1): pp 55 - 61.
The treatment followed here is based mainly on the Flora of China[], with some later amendments[].

Common Name:

General Information

Actinidia kolomikta is a large, deciduous, climbing shrub producing one or more branched stems that twine into the surrounding vegetation for support or scramble over the ground, where it can form dense thickets[, ].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food and is also cultivated for its fruits. It has a very good commercial potential, especially since it can be grown at higher latitudes than any other Actinidia species, even than Actinidia arguta[]. The fruits are often traded, and forms with superior fruits have been developed. It is also a very ornamental plant, there are some named varieties that have been selected for their variegated leaves.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

, ,

Range

E. Asia - Russian Far East - Amur, Primorye, Sakhalin, China, Japan, Korea

Habitat

Coniferous woodlands and hedges in mountains throughout Japan[, ]. Mountain mixed forests in open places at elevations of 1,600 - 2,900 metres in China[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Habit	Deciduous Climber
Height	10.00 m
Pollinators	Bees, Insects
Self-fertile	No
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Actinidia kolomikta has probably the widest range of any member of this genus. It is found at low elevations as far north as 50°N, but also grows at elevations of 3,500 metres in the subtropical to tropical mountains of southwest China. It is a very cold resistant species - dormant plants are hardy to at least -30°c although new growth in spring can be cut back by late frosts[, , ].
Prefers a sound loamy neutral soil[, ]. Succeeds in semi-shade but full sun is best for fruit production[]. Another report says that the plant prefers semi-shade[]. Prefers a sheltered position[]. When grown in a sunny position the leaves normally develop a strong variegation[]. Prefers a neutral soil, plants become more variegated when they are grown in a limy soil[].
Plants grow well on a wall and can also be grown into trees[].
Fruits are produced on second year wood or on fruit spurs on older wood[], any pruning is best carried out in the winter[]. The flowers are sweetly scented[].
Although individual fruits are quite small (weighing 2 - 5g), mature vines can produce up to 12 kg of fruit[].
Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[].
A dioecious species - both male and female forms must be grown if fruit and seed are required.
Female plants produce morphologically perfect flowers with well-developed pistils and stamens, but their stamens produce nonviable pollen; flowers of male plants have small, rudimentary ovaries without viable ovules but their stamens release viable pollen[].
Cats are very fond of this plant and can damage it by scratching it etc[, , ].

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw, cooked or dried for later use[, , , ]. Sweet and agreeable[, ]. It contains up to 5 times the vitamin C of blackcurrants[]. This fruit is one of the richest sources of vitamin C in the genus, containing up to 1,000mg per 100g fresh weight (almost 3 times that found in the kiwi fruit (Actinidia deliciosa)[]. The ovoid fruit is hairless and pale orange when fully ripe and is up to 25mm in diameter[]. It contains a number of small seeds, but these are easily eaten with the fruit[].

Young leaves - cooked[, ]. Used as a potherb or added to soups[].

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - sow spring in a greenhouse[]. It is probably best if the seed is given 3 months stratification[], either sow it in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe in late autumn or as soon as it is received. 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 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[]. Most seedlings are male[]. The seedlings are subject to damping off, they must be kept well ventilated[].
Cuttings of softwood as soon as ready in spring in a frame[].
Cuttings of half-ripe wood, mid summer in a frame. Very high percentage[].
Cuttings of ripe wood, autumn in a frame.