🌿 Morphology
🌞 Growing conditions
🌍 Origin and family
🌾 Uses
Warning: Despite the care taken in writing this sheet, it is essential to cross-reference sources before using or consuming any plant. When in doubt, consult a qualified professional
Permaculture uses
The fruit is edible, similar to other kiwis but often sweeter and with more pronounced flavor. It's a climbing vine, so it requires support structures like trellises or arbors. The flowers are attractive to pollinators. Can be used as a shade vine over structures. Some cultivars are more cold-hardy than others.
Permapeople description
Actinidia eriantha, also known as the Woolly Kiwi, is known for its fuzzy foliage and edible fruit.
Botanical description
Actinidia eriantha is a vigorous, dioecious, deciduous climbing vine with distinctive fuzzy stems and leaves, native to China. The leaves are large, ovate to oblong, and covered in soft hairs, especially when young. The flowers are fragrant, white to cream-colored, and borne in axillary cymes. Female plants produce edible, egg-shaped fruits covered in short, dense hairs. The fruit flesh is green to yellow, with numerous small black seeds. It is typically more tolerant of colder temperatures than common kiwi (Actinidia deliciosa).
Companion planting
Consider other climbing plants that need similar support. Avoid planting near plants that are heavily shaded by the vine. Good companions include those that benefit from partial shade or are not overly competitive for resources.
Propagation methods
Propagation is typically done through seeds (though offspring may not be true to parent type), softwood cuttings, or hardwood cuttings. Grafting is also a common method, particularly for ensuring desired fruit characteristics and female plants are planted.
History and traditions
Actinidia eriantha is native to China, where it has been traditionally used as a food source. It was introduced to the West more recently than other kiwi species and is gaining popularity for its flavor and cold hardiness. There is limited documented traditional medicinal use.
Usage calendar
Flowering typically occurs in late spring or early summer (May-June). Fruit ripens in the fall (October-November). Planting is best done in spring or fall. Pruning is typically done in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.