Cat-powder (Actinidia polygama, Mém. Acad. Imp. Sci. St.-Pétersbourg Divers Savans 9: 64 (1859))

Family: Actinidiaceae

Author: (Siebold & Zucc.) Planch. ex Maxim.

Bibliography: Mém. Acad. Imp. Sci. St.-Pétersbourg Divers Savans 9: 64 (1859)

Year: 1859

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Actinidia

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: S. Russian Far East to China, Korea, Japan

Description

Cat-powder, scientifically known as Actinidia polygama, is a fascinating plant that belongs to the family Actinidiaceae. This plant showcases a remarkable distribution spanning from the southern Russian Far East to China, Korea, and Japan, revealing its adaptability across varied climatic conditions in East Asia.

The nomenclature of Actinidia polygama can be traced back to its formal description in the mid-19th century. It was first classified by Siebold and Zuccarini and later refined by Planchon and Maximowicz, as documented in the noteworthy publication “Mémoires de l’Académie Impériale des Sciences de Saint-Pétersbourg.” This breadth of academic attention underscores the botanical significance of Cat-powder.

In its natural habitat, Cat-powder thrives in regions characterized by temperate climates. The plant is known for its distinctive appeal to felines, much like catnip, which has earned it the common name “Cat-powder.” Beyond its allure to cats, Actinidia polygama is also noted for its potential culinary and medicinal applications, further amplifying its utility and importance.

An integral part of the ecosystem, Cat-powder contributes to the biodiversity of the areas it inhabits, offering both aesthetic and practical benefits. Its presence in traditional medicine and potential uses in modern applications continue to intrigue researchers and botanists alike. Whether observed for its botanical charm or its unique interaction with the animal kingdom, Actinidia polygama remains a species of significant interest.

Common Names

Deu: silberrebe
Eng: silver vine, cat-powder, silvervine
Swe: klätteraktinidia
En: Cat-powder, Silvervine, Silver vine
De: Silberrebe
Ja: Mata-tabi
Sv: Klätteraktinidia

Synonyms

• Trochostigma polygamum (Siebold & Zucc.)
• Trochostigma volubile (Siebold & Zucc.)
• Actinidia lecomtei (Nakai)
• Actinidia volubilis ((Siebold & Zucc.) Planch. ex Miq.)
• Actinidia polygama var. lecomtei ((Nakai) H.L.Li)
• Actinidia inflammans (Nakai)

Distribution

• China North-Central (native)
• China South-Central (native)
• China Southeast (native)
• Japan (native)
• Korea (native)
• Kuril Is. (native)
• Manchuria (native)
• Primorye (native)
• New York (introduced)

Additional Images

Fruit

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Aomorikuma at ja.wikipedia (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Aomorikuma at ja.wikipedia (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Shu Suehiro (cc-by)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Qwert1234 at ja.wikipedia (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Jul 10, 2018 by Corinne Vaatainen (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 14, 2020 by mandy ziegler (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Shu Suehiro (cc-by)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Qwert1234 at ja.wikipedia (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3189692)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:60472666-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Actinidia polygama (Siebold & Zucc.) Maxim.)

Specifications

Growth