Pink Cloud Vine Actinidia tetramera var. maloides

Names

• Family

  Actinidiaceae

• Synonyms

  Pink Cloud Vine, Red Kiwi

• Common names

  Actinidia maloides H.L.Li, Actinidia eriantha Benth.

Toxicity

• To humans

  The plant known as the Red Kiwi (Actinidia tetramera var. maloides) is not commonly listed as toxic to humans. Consuming parts of this plant is unlikely to cause significant or severe toxic symptoms. However, as with any plant material, individual allergies or sensitivities could trigger mild reactions. If any part of the plant were ingested in large quantities, it might cause some gastrointestinal discomfort, but this is not specific to the Red Kiwi's toxicity, rather a general response to consuming non-dietary plant matter. There is no widely reported or well-documented evidence of toxicity in humans for this particular species.

• To pets

  The Red Kiwi (Actinidia tetramera var. maloides) is not generally known to be toxic to pets. There is limited information readily available concerning its toxicity to animals like cats and dogs. If a pet were to ingest a part of the Red Kiwi plant, they might experience gastrointestinal upset, such as vomiting or diarrhea, primarily due to the ingestion of non-food plant matter rather than specific toxicity. Owners should always monitor their pets and prevent them from eating large amounts of any plant material, both due to potential toxins and the risk of gastrointestinal blockages. If you suspect your pet is experiencing adverse effects after ingesting any plant, it is wise to consult a veterinarian.

Characteristics

• Life cycle

  Perennials

• Foliage type

  Deciduous

• Color of leaves

  Green

• Flower color

  White

• Height

  15 feet (4.57 meters)

• Spread

  10 feet (3.05 meters)

• Plant type

  Climber

• Hardiness zones

  7

• Native area

  China

General Benefits

• Ornamental Value: Actinidia tetramera var. maloides, also known as Pink-Flowered Chinese Gooseberry, is appreciated for its ornamental qualities, such as its attractive white and pink flowers, adding aesthetic value to gardens and landscapes.
• Wildlife Attraction: The plant's flowers can attract pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, thereby supporting biodiversity.
• Shade Provision: With its climbing habit, this plant can provide shade when grown over arbors or trellises, creating cooler areas in gardens.
• Food Source: The fruits of the Pink-Flowered Chinese Gooseberry are edible, though they are not as commonly consumed as those of its relative, the kiwifruit.
• Privacy Screen: When used as a climber on fences or walls, it can act as a living screen, offering privacy for outdoor spaces.
• Soil Erosion Control: Being a robust climber, it can help in stabilizing slopes and preventing soil erosion.

Medical Properties

This plant is not used for medical purposes.

Air-purifying Qualities

This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.

Other Uses

• The Red-leafed vine (Actinidia tetramera var. maloides) can be used to create natural fencing or screens in gardens, providing privacy and a lush green backdrop during the growing season.
• It can serve as a host plant for certain butterfly species, offering a food source for their caterpillars and helping to promote biodiversity.
• The twining stems and rough texture of the Red-leafed vine can be used in landscape design, adding an element of interest to trellises and arbors.
• The attractive flowers and foliage of the plant are used for decorative purposes in floral arrangements, particularly in outdoor events and garden-inspired themes.
• Schools and educational programs use the Red-leafed vine to teach botany and horticulture, especially concerning climbing plants and their growth habits.
• Its vibrant foliage is used in photography and film as a naturally colorful backdrop that requires little to no additional styling.
• The thick foliage provides a natural habitat for local wildlife, such as birds and beneficial insects, offering shelter and nesting spots.
• During autumn, the plant's foliage changes color and can be used in fall-themed decorations and settings, enhancing the seasonal atmosphere.
• Gardeners may use the plant to experiment with propagation techniques, such as air layering, due to its vigorous growth and the ease with which it can be propagated.
• Its rapid growth rate and dense foliage are often used to quickly cover unsightly garden elements like old fences or dead trees, providing a quick aesthetic fix.

Feng Shui

The Red Kiwi Vine is not used in Feng Shui practice.

Zodiac Sign Compitability

The Red Kiwi Vine is not used in astrology practice.

Plant Symbolism

• Rare Beauty: Often known as the Red Beauty Kiwi due to its attractive red-tinted foliage, this plant symbolizes the unique and rare aspects of nature's beauty, reminiscent of how it stands out in the plant kingdom.
• Exotic Charm: Native to uncommon habitats and lesser-known locales, Red Beauty Kiwi is attributed with the symbolism of exotic charm, pointing to the allure of the unfamiliar and foreign.
• Vitality and Growth: As a vigorous grower, the plant represents robust vitality and the persistent force of life, which is a common trait associated with kiwi varieties and fruit-bearing plants in general.
• Fertility: Bearing fruit, the Red Beauty Kiwi is often a symbol of fertility and abundance, reflecting the potential for new beginnings and the bearing of fruit in one's endeavors.
• Connection to Nature: Encouraging outdoor cultivation, this plant signifies a deep connection to the natural world, emphasizing the importance of preserving and engaging with our environmental roots.