This species is treated as a synonym of Actinidia rudis in the Flora of China[], but is seen as distinct in A Taxonomic Revision of Actinidiaceae of Vietnam[].
The classification of the genus Actinidia is difficult and the taxonomy of some taxa is still confusing. Various studies since 1984 have estimated the genus to comprise anywhere between 54 - 76 species. The species of Actinidia are highly variable in their vegetative structures, as well as in their flowers and fruits, which is the main reason for the difficulty in the classification of the genus. A detailed study of the genus, based on a wide range of specimens, is needed to clarify the situation and it could be many more years of work until a natural classification system is found - Xinwei LI, Jianqiang LI, Djaja Djendoel SOEJART; Advances in the study of the systematics of Actinidia Lindley; Front. Biol. China 2009, 4(1): pp 55 - 61.
The treatment followed here is based mainly on the Flora of China[], with some later amendments[].

Common Name:

General Information

Actinidia petelotii is a deciduous, climbing shrub producing one or more branched stems that twine into the surrounding vegetation for support. The stems are around 6 - 8 metres tall[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

, ,

Range

E. Asia - southern China, northern Vietnam

Habitat

Sparse forests, streamsides and moist places at elevations of 1,200 - 1,400 metres in Yunnan[]. Granitic mountain slopes, primary evergreen broad-leaved forest on limestone formations; at elevations from 1,500 - 2,000 metres[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Habit	Deciduous Climber
Height	7.00 m
Pollinators	Bees, Insects
Self-fertile	No
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Actinidia petelotii is a plant of the sub-tropical to tropical regions of southern China and northern Vietnam, where it is found at elevations from 1,200 - 2,000 metres[]. The matue growth is likely to tolerate at least some frost, thogh young growth is very susceptible to frost damage[].
Prefers a sound loamy neutral soil[, ]. Succeeds in semi-shade but full sun is best for fruit production[]. Prefers a sheltered position[].
Fruits are formed on second year wood and also on fruit spurs on older wood[], any pruning is best carried out when the plant is leafless[].
Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[].
Dioecious. Male and female plants must be grown if seed is required.

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw or cooked. The cylindrical fruit is hairless when fully ripe and up to 1.5cm long[, ]. The ovoid
to oblong-ovoid fruit is 20 - 25mm long and 6 - 8mm wide[]. It contains a number of small seeds, but these are easily eaten with the fruit[].

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a nursery seedbed. Stored seed, or the seed of plants from colder latitudes, will probably germinate better if it is given 3 months cold stratification[]. Fresh seed germinates in 2 - 3 months at 10°c, stored seed can take longer[]. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in light shade. When the plants are 30cm or more tall, plant them out into their permanent positions[]. Most seedlings are male[]. The seedlings are subject to damping off, they must be kept well ventilated[].
Cuttings of softwood in a frame[].
Cuttings of half-ripe wood in a frame. Very high percentage[].
Cuttings of ripe wood in a frame.

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