Contents
Description
Actinidia Eriantha is a deciduous climber that belongs to the Actinidiaceae family. It is also known by its common names such as purple kiwi vine and velvet kiwi. Native to China, this plant is mostly found in the mountainous regions of Sichuan, Yunnan, and Guizhou.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Ericales |
| Family | Actinidiaceae |
| Genus | Actinidia |
Appearance
Actinidia Eriantha has an attractive appearance with heart-shaped leaves that are velvety to the touch. The leaves are green on the upper side and purplish-red on the lower side. The plant produces fragrant, white flowers that bloom in June and July, followed by green, edible fruits that mature in October. The fruits are about 3-4 cm in diameter and are covered in short hairs. The skin of the fruit is green when young, but turns yellow when ripe.
Care Guide
Actinidia Eriantha requires moderate care and attention to grow healthy and produce fruits. Here is a care guide for this plant:- Water: Water the plant regularly and keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant in spring and fall with a balanced fertilizer.- Soil: Plant Actinidia Eriantha in well-draining, fertile soil that is rich in organic matter.- Sunlight: This plant prefers full sun to partial shade.- Hardiness Zones: Actinidia Eriantha is hardy in USDA zones 7-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Actinidia Eriantha is susceptible to common pests and diseases that affect kiwi plants, such as:- Spider mites- Aphids- Scale insects- Root rot- Powdery mildew- Bacterial cankerTo prevent these problems, provide good air circulation, avoid overwatering, and prune infected areas.
Habitat
Actinidia Eriantha is native to China and is mostly found in the mountainous regions of Sichuan, Yunnan, and Guizhou. It grows in forests, thickets, and along streams at elevations of 1,000-2,500 meters.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Actinidia Eriantha grow in containers?
A: Yes, Actinidia Eriantha can grow in containers, but it requires a large pot and regular pruning to keep it under control.
Q: What is the best time to plant Actinidia Eriantha?
A: Plant Actinidia Eriantha in spring or fall when the weather is cool and moist.
Q: How long does it take for Actinidia Eriantha to produce fruits?
A: Actinidia Eriantha takes about 3-4 years to produce fruits.
Q: Is Actinidia Eriantha a self-pollinating plant?
A: No, Actinidia Eriantha requires a male and a female plant to produce fruits.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Actinidia Eriantha:- Actinidia Arguta (Hardy Kiwi)- Actinidia Deliciosa (Kiwi Fruit)- Actinidia Kolomikta (Variegated Kiwi)
References
– “Actinidia eriantha.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed April 20, 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=284919.- “Actinidia eriantha.” Plants of the World Online. Accessed April 20, 2021. http://www.plantsoftheworldonline.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:711242-1.- “Purple Kiwi Vine (Actinidia eriantha).” Gardenia. Accessed April 20, 2021. https://www.gardenia.net/plant/actinidia-eriantha-purple-kiwi-vine.
