Actinidia lanceolata

Actinidia lanceolata is a deciduous climber from southeastern China. It belongs to the Actinidiaceae family. Kew describes its growth form as a climbing shrub. Its native range includes Zhejiang, Fujian, Jiangxi, Hunan, and Guangdong. It grows on mountain slopes and beside rivers. Recorded sites lie at 656–1,969 feet [200–600 metres] above sea level. These habitats fall within the temperate part of its range.

The plant climbs by winding its stems around branches and supports. Plants For A Future reports heights reaching 66 feet [20 metres]. This source gives no separate range for plants in gardens. The plant sheds its leaves for winter. Its climbing habit suits a woodland edge with room overhead. It can also grow in the broken shade of woodland. A sheltered site meets its stated growing needs.

Flowers appear from May to June, and insects provide pollination. Bees are among the insects that visit them. Each plant bears either male flowers or female flowers. The species cannot fertilise itself. Grow both sexes when raising plants for seed. The small, egg-shaped fruit measures about 0.4 by 0.3 inches. Ripe fruit has no hairs and holds several small seeds. The seeds ripen in November and can be eaten with the fruit. People can eat the fruit fresh or cook it.

This climber prefers moist, loamy soil with a neutral pH. It also grows in sandy soil and clay. It tolerates mildly acid through mildly alkaline conditions. Partial shade works, but full sun gives the best fruit crop. Plants For A Future lists USDA hardiness zones 5–9. New shoots can still suffer damage from spring frost. Fruit develops on second-year wood and spurs on older stems. Winter is the stated season for pruning.

Seeds offer one way to raise new plants. Sow them in spring under glass, or fresh in autumn. The source suggests three months of cold treatment before germination. Fresh seed may sprout within two to three months. Stored seed may take longer, and most seedlings are male. Young seedlings can suffer from damping off. Keep young plants under glass through their first winter. Plants For A Future lists no known hazards. It records no medicinal uses or other uses beyond food.