Actinidiaceae - Botanical Family

Botanical name: Actinidia arguta

Common names: Hardy Kiwifruit, Kiwi Berry, Arctic Kiwi, Baby Kiwi, Dessert Kiwi, Grape Kiwi, Northern Kiwi

Family: Actinidiaceae

Origin: Japan, Korea, Northern China

USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map

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The fast-growing, climbing vine is very hardy, and is capable of surviving slow temperature drops to -34 C (-30 F), although young shoots can be vulnerable to frost in the spring. This vine needs a strong (vines are heavy) support structure on which to grow such as a trellis, arbor, patio overhead, fence or wall.

Botanical name: Actinidia chinensis

Common name: Kiwi Fruit

Family: Actinidiaceae

Origin: China

Hardiness: 10°F

Actinidia chinensis is a vigorous deciduous climbing vine native to central and southern China. When supported by a trellis, arbor, or fence, it can stretch to about 30 feet, covering the structure with a lush canopy of broad, heart-shaped leaves. In warm months the vine grows quickly, often filling its allotted space within two or three seasons.

The plant thrives in full sun and fertile, well-drained soil enriched with compost, although a touch of afternoon shade is welcome in hot climates. Consistent moisture throughout summer is essential, as dry spells can noticeably reduce both fruit size and quality. In late spring, creamy-white to pale yellow flowers open, usually on separate male and female plants. Female vines that receive good pollination produce the familiar fuzzy brown fruits by late autumn. Depending on the variety and ripeness, the fruit may be tangy, sweet-tart, or mellow in flavor, with sweetness varying widely. The golden-fleshed cultivar Actinidia chinensis 'Sun Gold', often seen in markets, is notably sweeter and less tangy than many other selections.

While best suited to USDA Zones 8 9, it can be grown in sheltered spots in Zone 7 with winter and late frost protection. Young shoots are sensitive to cold snaps in spring. The vine can also be managed in a large container with regular pruning and a compact trellis, though this demands attentive watering and feeding. Fruits are enjoyed fresh, blended into drinks, or preserved as jam.

Botanical name: Actinidia deliciosa

Common names: Kiwi Fruit, Chinese Gooseberry

Family: Actinidiaceae

Origin: China

Actinidia deliciosa (Kiwi Fruit) can grow in full sun and requires regular water. The vine or creeper is deciduous, dropping its leaves in winter. The mature plant is cold hardy in the USDA Zones 7-9. The flowers are white or off-white, and the plant attracts butterflies and hummingbirds. The flowers are fragrant, dioecious or bisexual. Male and female flowers appear on different plants and both sexes have to be planted in close proximity for fruit set.

The fruits can be eaten fresh, juiced, dried, or preserved. The health benefits of Kiwifruit are immense. It is a very good source of dietary fiber, vitamin C, vitamin K, potassium and copper. It also contains vitamins A and E, folate, and some omega-3 fatty acids. One kiwifruit contains about 46 calories and provides 13 percent of the daily Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) of vitamin C and, 9 percent of the RDA of dietary fiber. Actinidia deliciosa has the potential to produce hundreds of fruit if planted with another compatible and cross-pollinated variety. The plants may take 3-4 years to bear fruit, but when it matures it can produce great quantities of kiwifruit. The fruit can be harvested when the fruit turns a golden-brown color, and when it is easily plucked from the vine.

Botanical name: Actinidia kolomikta

Common name: Kiwi

Family: Actinidiaceae

Origin: East Asia

Actinidia kolomikta is a vine or creeper from the Actinidiaceae family, originating from East Asia. It has decorative foliage, with leaves turning red, pink and white in the fall. The leaves are green and creamy white and can be up to 4 inches long. It is a deciduous plant, which means it loses its leaves in the winter.

Actinidia kolomikta prefers semi-shade and regular water, but can tolerate moderate water. It is a fast growing plant, reaching up to 30 ft. It requires support to grow and climb, however it will not produce fruit without both a male and female plant. It is grown in USDA Zone 4-9.

The fruit of the Actinidia kolomikta is sweet and grape-sized, with a yellow or light orange skin. The green, juicy flesh has a light, sour flavor. It can be eaten fresh or cooked, and is a good source of Vitamin C, Vitamin A, and dietary fibers. The fruit can also be used to make jams and jellies. A mature plant can produce up to 100 fruits per season, depending on the care and conditions.

Actinidia kolomikta is an edible, ornamental plant that is easy to care for and can provide a good harvest of sweet, juicy fruit.

Botanical name: Actinidia sp.

Common names: Actinidia, Kiwi

Family: Actinidiaceae

Origin: Eastern Asia

Actinidia sp. (Actinidia) is an attractive and fast-growing perennial plant native to eastern Asia. It typically will reach a mature size of 5-10 feet tall, either as a large shrub or as a vine or creeper. This plant is well-suited for full sun and semi-shade areas, and requires regular water for good growth. Actinidia sp. produces white and off-white flowers, which are especially attractive in spring and summer.

Ethnomedical uses of Actinidia include edible Kiwi fruits; the fruits are high in vitamin C and other healthy elements. Depending on the species, a mature plant can produce a range of up to a few hundred fruits per season. The fruits can be tart or sweet, and are usually eaten fresh or canned as juices or jams.

Actinidia is a hardy plant, able to withstand cold temperatures at least to 30s F for a short time. It is optimally grown in USDA Zone 8-10 and is an excellent choice for gardeners in cold climates who would like to try growing the plant in a pot. To do this successfully, it is important to make sure the container is of an appropriate size and is stored in an area free from harsh winter winds. Potting soil should be kept moist and watered as needed, and if temperatures are expected to drop far below freezing, the pot should be covered.

Overall, Actinidia is a beautiful and versatile plant that is easy to care for and produce a bounty of edible fruits which are high in vitamins and other essential nutrients. While it is hardy to moderately cold temperatures, careful precautions should be taken if grown in a pot to ensure the Actinidia is able to survive the winter and produce healthful fruit for many seasons to come.

Botanical name: Saurauia sp.

Common name: Saurauia

Family: Actinidiaceae

Origin: Southeast Asia