Actinidia macrosperma

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Sources: Wikidata

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae and order Ericales, it is a member of the family Actinidiaceae. Finally, it is categorized under the genus Actinidia as the species Actinidia macrosperma.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant is indigenous to specific regions within the vast landscape of China. Its primary presence is recorded throughout the South-Central part of the country. Additionally, the species can be found extending into the Southeast territories of China. These localized habitats define the natural range where the plant thrives in the wild. Consequently, its geographical distribution is concentrated within these particular Chinese provinces.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Life history

The life history of Actinidia macrosperma is characterized by a growth pattern that is fundamentally dependent on seasonal environmental shifts, primarily reflected in its foliage dynamics. As a perennial climber, its lifecycle involves a period of active vegetative growth and reproduction during favorable conditions, followed by a distinct dormancy phase. A key physiological trait of this species is its deciduousness; while the plant exhibits a lifecycle that can be categorized as deciduous, it possesses a variable nature where its ability to retain or shed leaves may fluctuate based on specific ecological niche requirements or local climatic stressors. This variability between deciduous and evergreen tendencies allows the plant to adapt its metabolic rate to seasonal changes, ensuring survival through periods of resource scarcity before renewing its growth cycle.

Deciduousness :

deciduous

Morphology

The morphology of Actinidia macrosperma is characterized by a climbing growth habit, where the plant exhibits a distinctly woody structure. This woody nature is evident in its perennial stems, which develop significant secondary thickening to support its vigorous climbing mechanism through forest environments. The stems are typically slender but toughened, facilitating the plant's ability to scramble over other vegetation. The leaves are generally large, simple, and arranged alternately along the woody vines, often possessing an ovate to broadly elliptic shape with entire or slightly serrated margins. The reproductive structures consist of flowers that emerge from the woody stems, eventually giving rise to fleshy fruits that are characteristic of the genus.

Woodiness :

woody

Reproduction

The reproduction of Actinidia macrosperma culminates in the development of its characteristic fruit, which displays specific morphological dimensions essential for its dispersal. The fruit length varies within a distinct range, with a minimum measurement of 3 cm and a maximum length reaching up to 3.5 cm. On average, the fruit length is recorded at 3.25 cm, a metric that serves as a key indicator of the plant's reproductive maturity and fruit development stages.

Fruit length max:

3.5 cm

Fruit length mean:

3.25 cm

Fruit length min:

3 cm

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Actinidia macrosperma has 2 reported plant parts identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include leaf, root.

Leaf

1. Natural product research

Root

1. Zhongguo Zhong yao za zhi = Zhongguo zhongyao zazhi = China journal of Chinese materia medica

Chemicals

Actinidia macrosperma has 13 reported phytochemicals identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include (E)-Phytol, Actinine, Asiatic acid, BETA-SITOSTEROL, CATECHIN.

(E)-Phytol

1. Natural product research

Actinine

1. Journal of Zhejiang University. Science. B

Asiatic acid

1. Zhongguo Zhong yao za zhi = Zhongguo zhongyao zazhi = China journal of Chinese materia medica

BETA-SITOSTEROL

1. Zhongguo Zhong yao za zhi = Zhongguo zhongyao zazhi = China journal of Chinese materia medica

CATECHIN

1. Zhongguo Zhong yao za zhi = Zhongguo zhongyao zazhi = China journal of Chinese materia medica

DIHYDROACTINIDIOLIDE

1. Journal of Zhejiang University. Science. B

Dihydronepetalactone

1. Journal of Zhejiang University. Science. B

Epicatechin

1. Zhongguo Zhong yao za zhi = Zhongguo zhongyao zazhi = China journal of Chinese materia medica

Iridomyrmecin

1. Journal of Zhejiang University. Science. B

Isotachioside

1. Zhongguo Zhong yao za zhi = Zhongguo zhongyao zazhi = China journal of Chinese materia medica

Activities

Actinidia macrosperma has 1 reported activities identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Cytotoxic.

Cytotoxic

1. Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM

Medicinal Uses

Actinidia macrosperma has 2 reported medicinal uses identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include cancers, leprosy.

Most Reported Uses

Preparations