Tropical Plant "Kiwi"
Actinidia deliciosa

Characteristics - The kiwi is a fruit bearer, originally from the mountainous regions of southeast China, introduced into Brazil in 1970. It is a large, scandent shrub, with deciduous foliage. Leaves are coriaceous and asperous on the upper surface, from 14-21 cm in diameter, with long petiole. Flowers form in the spring, on that year's growth, although they are androgynous, only one sex is functioning, making it necessary to have both male and female plants present, to produce fruit. Fruits are berries, globose or elliptical, of various sizes, depending on the cultivar, with succulent pulp and many small seeds. The main cultivars planted in southern Brazil are shown in the photos. The ones on this page are the 'Bruno' cultivar.

Uses - The fruits have an acidic-sweet pulp, eaten in natura, after removing the peel.

Propagation - Propagated mainly from cuttings.