Silver Vine

Actinidia polygama

Physical Characteristics

Actinidia polygama is a deciduous Climber growing to 6 m (19ft 8in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 4 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from June to July, and the seeds ripen from October to November. The species is dioecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is to be found on any one plant so both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required). and is pollinated by Bees, insects. The plant is not self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

E. Asia - China, Japan

Habitats

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

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit Leaves Edible Uses: Tea Fruit - raw or cooked[183]. Not very palatable, it is eaten salted[151, 177]. Some cultivars have nice flavoured fruits[183]. The fruit contains up to 5 times the vitamin C. of blackcurrants[74]. Fairly large fruits, up to 3cm across[200]. The ovoid fruits are orange and hairless when fuly ripe[266]. It contains a number of small seeds, but these are easily eaten with the fruit[K]. Leaves - raw or cooked[4, 61, 105, 177, 183]. The leaves can also be roasted and mixed with tea[183].

Medicinal Uses

Hallucinogenic Sedative Vitamin C The leaves are hallucinogenic and sedative[192]. 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[192]. When consumed in large quantities the leaves can have a mild hallucinatory effect[192]. Polygamol, which is made from the fruits, is used as a heart tonic[218]. A dry decoction is used to treat colic and rheumatism[218].

Known Hazards

None known