Contents
Description
Actinidia Chinensis, commonly known as the Chinese Gooseberry or Kiwifruit, is a deciduous vine native to China. It belongs to the Actinidiaceae family and is widely cultivated for its edible fruit. The plant can grow up to 30 feet long and produces large, heart-shaped leaves that are about 5 inches long. The fruit is oval-shaped, about the size of a large egg, and has fuzzy brown skin with bright green flesh and tiny black seeds. The fruit has a sweet and tangy taste and is rich in vitamin C.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Ericales |
| Family | Actinidiaceae |
| Genus | Actinidia |
Appearance
Actinidia Chinensis is a climbing vine that can grow up to 30 feet long. It has large, heart-shaped leaves that are about 5 inches long and are dark green in color. The fruit is oval-shaped, about the size of a large egg, and has fuzzy brown skin with bright green flesh and tiny black seeds. The fruit has a sweet and tangy taste and is rich in vitamin C.
Care Guide
To care for Actinidia Chinensis, it is important to provide it with adequate water, fertilization, soil, sunlight, and hardiness zones. The plant prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. It needs regular watering, especially during the growing season, but it is important to avoid overwatering as this can lead to root rot. The plant also requires regular fertilization with a balanced fertilizer, and it should be pruned regularly to encourage fruit production. Actinidia Chinensis prefers full sun to partial shade and is hardy in USDA zones 7 to 9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Actinidia Chinensis is susceptible to several pests and diseases, including bacterial canker, powdery mildew, root rot, and spider mites. Bacterial canker causes the stems and leaves to wilt and turn brown, while powdery mildew appears as a white powdery coating on the leaves. Root rot can cause the plant to die, and spider mites can cause yellowing and wilting of the leaves. It is important to monitor the plant regularly and treat any pest or disease problems promptly to prevent them from spreading.
Habitat
Actinidia Chinensis is native to China and is widely cultivated in other parts of the world, including New Zealand, Italy, and California. The plant prefers warm, humid climates and is often grown in subtropical regions. It is commonly grown in home gardens and orchards, and it is also commercially cultivated for its fruit.
Question and Answer
Q: How long does it take for Actinidia Chinensis to bear fruit?
A: Actinidia Chinensis typically takes 3 to 4 years to bear fruit.
Q: Can Actinidia Chinensis be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Actinidia Chinensis can be grown in containers, but it may not produce as much fruit as a plant grown in the ground.
Q: Does Actinidia Chinensis require a trellis?
A: Yes, Actinidia Chinensis is a climbing vine and requires a trellis or other support structure to grow on.
Q: How should Actinidia Chinensis be pruned?
A: Actinidia Chinensis should be pruned in late winter or early spring to remove dead or damaged wood, and to thin out the branches to encourage fruit production.
Related Plants
- Actinidia Arguta
- Actinidia Deliciosa
- Actinidia Kolomikta
- Actinidia Polygama
References
- Missouri Botanical Garden. (n.d.). Actinidia chinensis. Retrieved from http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c454
- University of California Agriculture & Natural Resources. (n.d.). Kiwifruit. Retrieved from http://homeorchard.ucanr.edu/The_Big_Picture/Fruit_Trees/Kiwifruit/
- United States Department of Agriculture. (n.d.). Actinidia chinensis. Retrieved from https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=ACCH2
