Actinidia eriantha aka Velvetvine

Actinidia eriantha is a deciduous climbing shrub in the Actinidiaceae family. The RHS lists its common name as velvet vine. It comes from southeastern China, with its range reaching Guizhou. Records also place it in Zhejiang, Fujian, Hunan, Jiangxi, Guangdong, and Guangxi. It grows in a temperate climate. Wild plants occur in forests and tall grass thickets on low mountains. Recorded sites lie at elevations of 656–3,281 feet [200–1,000 metres].

Plants For A Future reports a climbing height of 33 feet [10 metres]. The plant loses its leaves for part of the year. Its climbing form makes it a choice for woodland garden edges. The same source lists dappled shade as a suitable garden setting. It gives no species-specific details about leaf shape or bark. Nor does it give a mature spread for garden plants.

Flowers appear from May to June, and seeds ripen in November. Each plant bears either male or female flowers. A lone plant cannot fertilise itself. Grow both sexes if you need seed. Bees and other insects carry pollen between the flowers. The fruit reaches about 1.4 inches long and 1.2 inches wide. People can eat it fresh or cook it. Its many small seeds can stay in the fruit when eaten.

The species profile lists sandy, loamy, and clay soils as suitable. It accepts mildly acid, neutral, and mildly alkaline soil. It needs moist soil and can grow in sun or light shade. Plants For A Future calls it frost tender. The source says its survival outdoors in Britain remains uncertain. Its further growing notes draw on the genus rather than this species. Those notes should not count as proven care needs for this plant.

Plants For A Future describes raising new plants from seed. It suggests spring sowing under glass and possible cold treatment beforehand. Fresh seed may sprout within two to three months at 10°C. Stored seed may take longer to emerge. Young plants need protection through their first winter. Seedlings can suffer from damping off. The source reports no known hazards, medicinal uses, or other uses. That hazard entry does not establish safety for people or pets.