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: Red Kiwi

General Information

Actinidia melanandra is a medium-sized, deciduous, climbing shrub producing one or more branched stems that can twine high into the surrounding vegetation for support or scramble over the ground to form thickets[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food. The plant has also been cultivated for its fruit and at least one cultivar has been developed[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

, ,

Range

E. Asia - central to southern China.

Habitat

Thickets around 1,800 metres in W. Hupeh, Szechwan and N. Yunnan[]. Broad-leaved forests, mountain forests and moist places at elevations of 1,000 - 1,600 metres[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Habit	Deciduous Climber
Height	7.00 m
Pollinators	Bees, Insects
Self-fertile	No
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

A plant of warm temperate to subtropical areas in China, where it is found at elevations of 1,000 - 1,600 metres. It grows in montane areas of southern China where the climate is humid, the mean annual rainfall is in the range 1,300 - 2,000mm and summers are long and hot with a long frost-free period of 270 - 300 days depending on elevation[]. It succeeds outdoors at least in the warmer areas of the temperate zone - plants at Kew Gardens, London, England have fruited[]. The mature growth can tolerate at least some frost, though young growth in the spring 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 in the winter[]. The flowers have a soft, aromatic perfume[].
At least one named variety has been developed for its edible fruit[].
This species is a good pollinator for Actinidia arguta cordifolia[].
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. Another report says that both sexes are on one plant[].
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[].

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw or cooked[, ]. The greenish-yellow or purple-red, oblong to globose fruit is hairless when fully ripe and 20 - 45mm long[, , ]. It contains a number of small seeds, but these are easily eaten with the fruit[].

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.