velvetvine

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• velvetvine

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Actinidia davidii
• Actinidia eriantha f. alba
• Actinidia eriantha var. brunnea
• Actinidia eriantha var. calvescens
• Actinidia fulvicoma var. lanata
• Actinidia lanata

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. It is further classified under the subclass Magnoliidae, the order Ericales, and the family Actinidiaceae. Finally, it is categorized under the genus Actinidia.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant, known scientifically as Actinidia eriantha, possesses a specific range within East Asia. Its primary occurrence is found throughout the South-Central region of China. Additionally, the species is widely distributed across the Southeast part of the country. These two distinct areas define the core geographical footprint of the species. Consequently, its natural habitat is concentrated within these specific Chinese provinces.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Actinidia eriantha is closely tied to its specific altitudinal distribution within its native habitat. This species typically flourishes within a distinct elevational range, establishing itself at low altitudes starting from a minimum of 250 m AMSL. As the terrain ascends, the plant continues to thrive through mid-level elevations, maintaining a mean elevational range of approximately 625 m AMSL. The upper limits of its ecological niche are reached at a maximum elevation of 1000 m AMSL, defining the vertical boundaries of the environmental conditions under which this medicinal plant successfully grows and persists.

Elevational range max:

1000 m AMSL

Elevational range mean:

625 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

250 m AMSL

Life history

The life history of Actinidia eriantha is characterized by its nature as a perennial plant, allowing it to persist through multiple growing seasons. As a deciduous species, it undergoes a distinct seasonal cycle where it sheds its foliage annually, typically in response to colder temperatures or changing light availability, before entering a period of dormancy. This lifecycle ensures that the plant can endure varying environmental conditions over many years, regenerating its leafy canopy each spring to facilitate photosynthesis and growth.

Deciduousness :

deciduous

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Actinidia eriantha is characterized by a growth form categorized as a tree, exhibiting a robust and structural development. As a woody plant, it possesses persistent, lignified tissues that support its upright and spreading architecture. This woody nature distinguishes its physical framework from non-woody or herbaceous species, providing the necessary stability for its characteristic climbing or arborescent habit.

Growth form :

tree

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Actinidia eriantha is characterized by a C3 photosynthetic pathway, which governs its carbon fixation processes and metabolic efficiency. Morphologically, the plant features cordate leaf forms, providing a broad surface area for light interception and gas exchange. The edges of these leaves are marked by finely toothed margins, a structural detail that contributes to its distinctive vegetative appearance. Furthermore, the plant's foliage is smooth and lacks defensive integuments, as there are no leaf thorns and no leaf spines present on its structure.

Leaf form :

cordate

Leaf margin :

finely toothed

Leaf spines :

no

Leaf thorns :

no

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Reproduction

The reproduction of Actinidia eriantha is characterized by the development of fleshy, edible fruits that serve as the primary vessel for seed dispersal. These fruits exhibit specific morphological dimensions regarding their longitudinal growth, typically ranging in length from a minimum of 3.5 cm to a maximum of 4.5 cm. On average, the fruit length reaches a mean value of 4 cm, reflecting a consistent size profile within the species. This reproductive stage is crucial for the propagation of the plant, as the fruit size and development play a significant role in attracting dispersal agents that facilitate the spread of its seeds across its natural habitat.

Fruit length max:

4.5 cm

Fruit length mean:

4 cm

Fruit length min:

3.5 cm

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Actinidia eriantha has 1 reported plant parts identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include root.

Root

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Chemicals

Actinidia eriantha has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Polysaccharide.

Polysaccharide

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Conditions

Actinidia eriantha has 8 reported investigations on conditions identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include cancers, chronic hepatitis, colon cancer, hernia, leukemia.

Cancers

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Chronic hepatitis

1. Frontiers in pharmacology

Colon cancer

1. Frontiers in pharmacology

Hernia

1. Frontiers in pharmacology

Leukemia

1. Frontiers in pharmacology

Rectal prolapse

1. Frontiers in pharmacology

Stomach cancer

1. Frontiers in pharmacology

Uterine prolapse

1. Frontiers in pharmacology

Preparations

Actinidia eriantha has 1 reported preparations identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include polysaccharide from the roots.

Polysaccharide from the roots

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology