Actinidia polygama (Silver Vine)


Botanical Information

FamilyActinidiaceae
GenusActinidia
Speciespolygama
CategoryWoody
TypeVine
OriginNative to China and Japan.
Ethnobotanical Uses
Disclaimer
The fruit of the A. polygama is edible and is called yang-tao in China.
Pronunciation

Details

USDA Hardiness Zone4
USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canadian Hardiness Zone2 - 5a
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness ZoneH7
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Temperature (°C)-35 - (-29)
Temperature (°F)-30 - (-20)
Height6 m
GrowthFast
Flowering PeriodJune, July

Description and Growing Information

ShapeA vine with a white, solid pith.
PestsEspecially attractive to cats, so should be protected from them when young.
Notable SpecimensThe Royal Botanical Gardens, Burlington, Ontario, Canada.
Leaf DescriptionPetiole leaves are distinguishable by the silver and white color. Each leaf measures between 6–13 cm long and 4–9 cm wide.
Flower DescriptionWhite flowers that measure 2.5 cm in diameter. The life-span of an individual flower is 2–3 days.
Fruit DescriptionThe vine begins to grow small egg-shaped and multi-seeded fruits, which bare a yellow to yellow-red colour and mature in September to October. The fruit measures 1.5 cm wide and 3.0 cm long.

Photographs