Actinidia tetramera

Actinidia tetramera is a deciduous climbing shrub in the Actinidiaceae family. It comes from central and east-central China’s temperate regions. Recorded provinces include Henan, Hubei, Gansu, Shaanxi, Sichuan, and Yunnan. It grows in mountain woods, thickets, and other moist places. Its recorded elevation range spans 3,609–8,858 feet [1,100–2,700 metres]. It is not native to Britain or Ireland.

This woody climber sheds its leaves each year. Plants For A Future gives a height of about 44 feet [13.5 metres]. The evidence does not give a separate garden size range. Nor does it give a mature spread. Its climbing form suits a woodland garden with room overhead. The source lists both sunny woodland edges and dappled shade as garden settings. Species-level details of its bark and leaf shape are not supplied.

The plant flowers from May to June. Male and female flowers grow on separate plants. Bees and other insects carry pollen between the flowers. A lone plant cannot fertilise itself. Grow both sexes if you want seed production. The seeds ripen in October, within small, oval fruits. Each fruit reaches about 0.07 feet [0.02 metres] long. The smooth skin turns orange when the fruit is ripe. The flesh holds several small seeds that can be eaten with it.

Plants For A Future reports that this species prefers moist soil. It lists sandy, loamy, and clay soils as suitable. The stated pH range runs from mildly acid to mildly alkaline. Plants can grow in part shade or full sun. The source calls the species frost tender, but British hardiness remains uncertain. It suggests that milder British areas may suit it. Its longer care notes draw on the genus rather than this species. Those notes do not establish a firm hardiness rating for this plant.

The fruit can be eaten raw or cooked. Plants For A Future rates its food value three out of five. It records no known medicinal uses or other uses. The same source lists no known hazards. That does not establish safety for every person or pet. Seed offers one way to raise new plants. Fresh seed may germinate within two to three months at 10°C. Stored seed may take longer. The source warns that seedlings can suffer from damping off. It also reports that most seedlings are male.