Red Kiwi

Actinidia melanandra

Physical Characteristics

Actinidia melanandra is a deciduous Climber growing to 7 m (23ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from June to July, and the seeds ripen from October to November. 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 - W. China.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; South Wall. By. West Wall. By.

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit Edible Uses: Fruit - raw or cooked[126, 183]. The globose fruit is hairless when fully ripe and up to 45mm long[183, 198, 266]. It contains a number of small seeds, but these are easily eaten with the fruit[K].

Medicinal Uses

None known

Known Hazards

None known