Kiwifruit

(Actinidia deliciosa)

Kiwifruit (Actinidia deliciosa)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Actinidia deliciosa, commonly known as Kiwifruit or Chinese Gooseberry, is a deciduous perennial vine native to the Yangtze River Valley and other forested regions of Central and Eastern China. It is a vigorous, woody, twining vine or climbing shrub that can reach up to 9 meters in length. The plant features heart-shaped leaves and bears fragrant, cream, green, and white flowers in the spring, which are followed by the well-known edible fruit. The kiwifruit has a subacid to quite acid flavor, often compared to that of the gooseberry or strawberry. The fruit’s skin can be fuzzy or smooth, depending on the cultivar.

Kiwifruit is valued for its high vitamin C content and dietary fiber. It is grown commercially for fruit production and also used as an ornamental vine in gardens. The plant requires sturdy support for climbing and can be used to cover walls or trellises. Kiwifruit prefers full sun to part shade, consistent medium watering, and well-drained soils. It is dioecious, meaning separate male and female plants are needed for fruit production; generally, one male plant can pollinate up to eight female plants. The most significant cultivars in New Zealand, which has become a major producer, include ’Abbott’, ’Allison’, ’Bruno’, ’Hayward’, ’Monty’ (Montgomery), and ’Greensill’. Kiwifruit can be susceptible to root rot and other fungal diseases, and it requires pruning to manage its vigorous growth and to promote fruiting.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Vine
  • Height: 20-30 feet
  • Width: 6-10 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: Cream, White
  • Flowering Season: Spring
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Fast, Medium

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Hummingbird Garden, Potted Plant

Natural Habitat

Forested regions of Central and Eastern China, including the Yangtze River Valley

Other Names

Common Names: Chinese Gooseberry , Kiwi , Fuzzy Kiwifruit

Scientific Names: Actinidia deliciosa , Actinidia chinensis var. hispida , Actinidia chinensis var. deliciosa , Actinidia deliciosa var. chlorocarpa , Actinidia deliciosa var. longipila , Actinidia deliciosa var. coloris , Actinidia chinensis f. chlorocarpa , Actinidia chinensis f. longipila , Actinidia chinensis subsp. deliciosa , Actinidia latifolia subsp. deliciosa , Actinidia latifolia var. deliciosa

GBIF Accepted Name: Actinidia chinensis var. hispida C.F.Liang