This species has been confused in literature with Actinidia kolomikta[]. It is closely related, but can be distinguished by the leaves which are tapered at the base whilst those of Actinidia kolomikta are heart-shaped[].
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: Silver Vine

General Information

Actinidia polygama is a deciduous, climbing shrub producing one or more branched stems that twine into the surrounding vegetation for support or scramble over the ground, where they can form thickets.
The plant is harvested from the wild and is also cultivated as a food crop, some superior forms have been developed. The fruits are traded. It is often also grown as an ornamental, valued especially for its variegated leaves[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

, ,

Range

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

Habitat

Woodlands and hedges in mountains throughout Japan[]. Mountain forests at elevations of 500 - 1,900 metres in China[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Deciduous Climber
Height	6.00 m
Pollinators	Bees, Insects
Self-fertile	No
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Actinidia polygama has a wide native range from the cold temperate regions of the Russian Far East south to subtropical southern China. In the north of its range it is capable of withstanding temperatures as low as -30°c. when dormant, although the young growth in spring can be cut back by late frosts[, ]. In the south of its range 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[].
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 are fragrant[].
The plant is very attractive to cats and can be damaged by them[, , ].
Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[].
One report suggests that plants are self-fertile whilst another says that they are dioecious. It is likely that most plants are dioecious but that there are some self-fertile hermaphrodite forms. A cultivar named 418-77 is self-fertile[].
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[]. Not very palatable, it is eaten salted[, ]. Some cultivars have nice flavoured fruits[]. The unripe fruit is bitter and astringent, with a mouthnumbing, shocking, peppery (chili) flavour[]. The fruit contains up to 5 times the vitamin C. Of blackcurrants[]. Fairly large fruits, up to 3cm across[]. The ovoid fruits are orange and hairless when fuly ripe[]. It contains a number of small seeds, but these are easily eaten with the fruit[].

Leaves - raw or cooked[, , , , ]. The leaves can also be roasted and mixed with tea[].

Medicinal

The leaves are hallucinogenic and sedative[]. The leaves contain substances that make them very attractive to cats and for this reason they are especially useful as a sedative for lions etc in zoos[]. When consumed in large quantities the leaves can have a mild hallucinatory effect[].

Polygamol, which is made from the fruits, is used as a heart tonic[]. A dry decoction is used to treat colic and rheumatism[].

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.