Kiwi

Actinidia chinensis

Physical Characteristics

Actinidia chinensis is a deciduous Climber growing to 7.5 m (24ft 7in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from May to June, and the seeds ripen from October to December. The species is dioecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is to be found on any one plant so both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required). and is pollinated by Bees, insects. The plant is not self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

E. Asia - China.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit Leaves Edible Uses: Fruit - raw or cooked. A delicious flavour. The fruit is up to 3cm across[198]. Fresh fruits contain 100 - 420mg vitamin C per 100g and 8 - 14% carbohydrate[218]. Acidity is 1 - 2%, mainly citric acid[218]. The fruit contains a number of small seeds, but these are easily eaten with the fruit[K]. The leaves are eaten cooked in times of need as a famine food[179].

Medicinal Uses

Diuretic Febrifuge Sedative Urinary Vitamin C The fruits, stems and roots are diuretic, febrifuge and sedative[147]. They are used in the treatment of stones in the urinary tract, rheumatoid arthralgia, cancers of the liver and oesophagus[147]. A decoction of the leaves is used to treat mange in dogs[218]. The stem-juice is used in the treatment of gravel[218].

Known Hazards

None known