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silver vine
Scientific Name: Actinidia polygama
Family: Actinidiaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Vine
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
Actinidia polygama: Silver Vine
Actinidia polygama, commonly known as silver vine, matatabi (Japanese Catnip), or cat powder, is a plant gaining popularity for its effects on cats.
Considerations for Pets
- Silver vine is often sold in powder form and incorporated into cat toys (e.g., ferret-shaped toys, scratching posts).
- Cats tend to rub against and lick the plant.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Actinidia polygama
- Common Names: Silver vine, Matatabi (Japanese Catnip), cat powder
- Family: Actinidiaceae
Distribution and Habitat
- Silver vine is native to the mountainous regions of eastern Asia, including Japan.
- It grows wild in the highlands.
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- Actinidia polygama is a deciduous climbing vine.
- It can grow up to 6 meters (approximately 19 feet 8 inches) in height.
- It produces clusters of fragrant, creamy flowers from June to July.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- Silver vine induces a playful reaction in cats, sometimes even more intensely than catnip.
- The scent of the plant affects the olfactory system of cats.
Quirky Facts
- Silver vine is in the same family as kiwi fruit.
Uses
- Liquor was prepared from silver vine berries and its functional properties
Further Information
- Additional information can be found on the RHS (Royal Horticultural Society) website.