The classification of the genus Actinidia is difficult and the taxonomy of some taxa is still confusing. Various studies since 1984 have estimated the genus to comprise anywhere between 54 - 76 species. The species of Actinidia are highly variable in their vegetative structures, as well as in their flowers and fruits, which is the main reason for the difficulty in the classification of the genus. A detailed study of the genus, based on a wide range of specimens, is needed to clarify the situation and it could be many more years of work until a natural classification system is found - Xinwei LI, Jianqiang LI, Djaja Djendoel SOEJART; Advances in the study of the systematics of Actinidia Lindley; Front. Biol. China 2009, 4(1): pp 55 - 61.
The treatment followed here is based mainly on the Flora of China[], with some later amendments[].

Common Name:

General Information

Actinidia chinensis is a large, deciduous, climbing shrub producing one or more branched stems that twine into the surrounding vegetation for support. The stems can grow 30 metres long, though are usually much smaller in cultivation[].
This is the original kiwi fruit from which the cultivated kiwi (Actinidia deliciosa) with its larger fruit was developed. The plant has long been harvested from the wild as a food, and is also ofen cultivated, especially forms known as golden kiwifruits withtheir smooth skins and more golden flesh.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

, ,

Range

E. Asia - central and southern China, Taiwan.

Habitat

Mountain forests, oak forests, sparse secondary forests, tall grassy thickets on low mountains, thickets at lower elevations; growing on slopes and in ravines; at elevations from 200 - 2,600 metres[, , ].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Climber
Height	7.50 m
Pollinators	Bees, Insects
Self-fertile	No
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Wild

Cultivation Details

A plant of temperate to subtropical areas in China, where it is found at elevations of 200 - 2,600 metres. It succeeds outdoors at least in the warmer areas of the temperate zone. The mature growth can tolerate occasional, short-lived temperatures down to about -15°c, though young growth in the spring is very susceptible to frost damage[, ].
Prefers a sound loamy neutral soil[, ]. Succeeds in semi-shade but full sun is best for fruit production[]. Prefers a sheltered position[].
This species is the parent of the cultivated Kiwi fruits, these cultivars are now included under the name Actinidia deliciosa[].
Fruits are formed on second year wood and also on fruit spurs on older wood[], any pruning is best carried out in the winter[]. The flowers are sweetly scented[].
Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[].
A dioecious species - both male and female forms must be grown if fruit and seed are required.
Female plants produce morphologically perfect flowers with well-developed pistils and stamens, but their stamens produce nonviable pollen; flowers of male plants have small, rudimentary ovaries without viable ovules but their stamens release viable pollen[].

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw or cooked. A delicious flavour. The fruit is up to 3cm across[]. Fresh fruits contain 100 - 420mg vitamin C per 100g and 8 - 14% carbohydrate[]. Acidity is 1 - 2%, mainly citric acid[]. The fruit contains a number of small seeds, but these are easily eaten with the fruit[].
Fruit subglobose to cylindric to obovoid or ellipsoidal, 4 - 6 cm long[].

The leaves are eaten cooked in times of need as a famine food[].

Medicinal

The fruits, stems and roots are diuretic, febrifuge and sedative[]. They are used in the treatment of stones in the urinary tract, rheumatoid arthralgia, cancers of the liver and oesophagus[].

A decoction of the leaves is used to treat mange in dogs[].

The stem-juice is used in the treatment of gravel[].

Other Uses

Paper is made from the bark[].

If the bark is removed in one piece from near the root and placed in hot ashes, it becomes very hard and can be used as a tube for a pencil[].

The plant is said to have insecticidal properties (no more details)[].

Propagation

Seed - sow spring in a greenhouse[]. It is probably best if the seed is given 3 months stratification[], either sow it in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe in late autumn or as soon as it is received. Fresh seed germinates in 2 - 3 months at 10°c, stored seed can take longer[]. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in light shade in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. When the plants are 30cm or more tall, plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts[]. Most seedlings are male[]. The seedlings are subject to damping off, they must be kept well ventilated[].
Cuttings of softwood as soon as ready in spring in a frame[].
Cuttings of half-ripe wood, mid summer in a frame. Very high percentage[].
Cuttings of ripe wood, autumn in a frame.