Actinidia arguta var. rufa

Family: Actinidiaceae

What it is like

A climber 7 m long. It climbs and supports itself by twining around branches. Male and female flowers occur on separate plants. The fruit are 2.5 cm long and contain many small seeds.

There are 40-60 Actinidia species. The Actinidiaceae are a mainly tropical family.

Where it is found

It prefers a loamy neutral soil. Although it can grow in light shade it fruits best in full sun. During the dormant stage it can tolerate temperatures down to -30°C. Young growth is damaged by frosts.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, China, Japan, Korea

How it is used for food

The fruit is eaten raw or cooked.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Male and female plants must be grown if seed is required. Plants can be grown from seed. Fresh seed germinates in 2 - 3 months at 10°C and stored seed can take longer. Seedlings should be transplanted out when 30 cm tall and after the last frosts. (Most seedlings are male.) Plants can be grown from cuttings.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Actinidia rufa (Siebold. & Zucc.) Planch.; Trochostigma rufa (Siebold. & Zucc.);