Actinidia
(from aktin, a ray; the styles radiate like the spokes of a wheel). SYN. Trochostigma. ORD. Ternstraemiaceae. A genus of ornamental hardy deciduous climbing shrubs, with axillary corymbs of flowers; sepals and petals imbricate. Leaves entire. The species are well suited for trellis-work or walls, and thrive in a light rich soil. Increased by seeds, layers, or cuttings; the latter should be inserted under a hand light in autumn, in sandy soil.
A. Kolomikta (Kolomikta).* fl. white, solitary, axillary, or cymose, 1/2in. in diameter; peduncles about 1/2in. long. Summer. l. ovate-oblong, petiolate, rounded or sub-cordate at the base, and tapering into a long point, serrate; the autumnal tints are very handsome, changing to white and red. N. E. Asia, 1880. Rarely met with.
A. polygama (polygamous). fl. white, fragrant. Summer. l. cordate, serrate, petiolate. Japan, 1870. The berries of this species are edible. A. volubilis (twining).* fl. white, small. June. l. oval on flowering branches, elliptic on climbing stems. Japan, 1874. A very free growing species.