Silver vine, Matatabi
Actinidia polygama

Family: Actinidiaceae

What it is like

A climber. It grows up to 2.4 m long and spreads 2.4 m wide. The leaves are pale silver or gold. They are 15 cm long. The leaves are tapered. The flowers are white with yellow anthers. The fruit are 3 cm across.

There are 40-60 Actinidia species. The Actinidiaceae are a mainly tropical family.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. It grows naturally in woodlands and hedges in mountains throughout Japan. They are hardy to -30°C when dormant. They are damaged by frost when young. It suits hardiness zones 4-9. In Sichuan and Yunnan.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Australia, China, Japan, Korea, Manchuria, Russia

How it is used for food

The fruit are eaten raw or cooked. They are also salted. The young leaves are eaten cooked. The fruit can be bitter. The sap is used as a seasoning.

The fruit are considered a delicacy in Japan.

Edible parts

Fruit, leaves, sap

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Gaedarae, Gezaomihoutao

Synonyms

Trochostigma polygama Siebold & Zucc.; Actinidia volubilis (Siebold. & Zucc.) Planch.;