Family: Actinidiaceae
Author: (Maxim.) Maxim.
Bibliography: Mém. Acad. Imp. Sci. St.-Pétersbourg Divers Savans 9: 63 (1859)
Year: 1859
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Actinidia
Vegetable: False
Observations: Russian Far East to C. China, N. & C. Japan
Description
Arctic beauty kiwi, scientifically known as Actinidia kolomikta, is a captivating plant belonging to the Actinidiaceae family. First documented in the 1859 edition of the “Mémoires de l’Académie Impériale des Sciences de St.-Pétersbourg,” this plant was described by the renowned botanist Maximowicz, whose work laid the foundation for understanding this unique species.
Originating from the vast and diverse regions of the Russian Far East, Central China, and both Northern and Central Japan, the Arctic beauty kiwi thrives in temperate climates. It is celebrated for its striking visual appeal, which is most evident in the distinctive variegated leaves that feature an artistic blend of green, white, and pink hues. This aesthetic grace makes it a popular choice for ornamental purposes in gardens and landscapes.
Beyond its visual charm, the Arctic beauty kiwi is also known for its hardy nature. It can withstand colder climates, making it suitable for temperate regions that experience harsh winters. This resilience stems from its native habitats, which often face extreme weather conditions.
In addition to its ornamental value, the plant produces small, smooth-skinned fruits that, while not as commonly consumed as those of its relative, the more widely known Actinidia deliciosa (common kiwi), offer a delightful taste and can be used in various culinary applications.
The Arctic beauty kiwi’s ability to adapt and thrive in diverse environments, coupled with its striking appearance and delicate fruits, makes it a fascinating subject of study and a cherished addition to both horticultural collections and natural landscapes.
Common Names
Eng: arctic beauty kiwi, manchurian-gooseberry, hardy kiwi, kishmish
Deu: kolomikta-strahlengriffel
Fra: kiwi d’ornement
Swe: kameleontbuske
Nno: raudkattebusk
Nob: rødkattebusk
En: Arctic beauty kiwi, Manchurian-gooseberry, Hardy kiwi, Kishmish
Fr: Kiwi d’ornement
De: Kolomikta-Strahlengriffel
Nb: Rødkattebusk
Nn: Raudkattebusk
Sv: Kameleontbuske
Synonyms
- Trochostigma kolomikta ((Maxim. & Rupr.) Rupr.)
- Prunus kolomikta (Maxim.)
- Actinidia maloides f. cordata (C.F.Liang)
- Actinidia leptophylla (C.Y.Wu)
- Actinidia gagnepainii (Nakai)
- Actinidia kolomikta var. shihmienensis (C.Y.Chang)
- Actinidia maloides (H.L.Li)
- Actinidia kolomikta var. gagnepainii ((Nakai) H.L.Li)
- Actinidia kolomikta var. sugawarana ((Koidz.) Vorosch.)
- Actinidia tetramera var. maloides ((H.L.Li) C.Y.Wu)
- Kalomikta mandshurica (Regel)
- Actinidia sugawarana (Koidz.)
Distribution
- China North-Central (native)
- China South-Central (native)
- China Southeast (native)
- Japan (native)
- Khabarovsk (native)
- Korea (native)
- Kuril Is. (native)
- Manchuria (native)
- Primorye (native)
- Sakhalin (native)
- Uzbekistan (introduced)
Additional Images
Bark
Taken Jan 30, 2021 by Diego Alex (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 26, 2020 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 29, 2021 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 12, 2021 by Mareen (cc-by-sa)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Leaf
Taken Jun 18, 2021 by axnar thema (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 30, 2021 by alois muller (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 31, 2022 by Maja Dobek (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 31, 2022 by Maja Dobek (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 4, 2022 by Эжен Шишичкина (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken Jun 6, 2022 by Ingvild Tronvik (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 12, 2022 by Helga Kautsch (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 29, 2021 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 8, 2022 by forget bart (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 16, 2022 by Østensen marte (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken May 29, 2021 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 22, 2022 by Kai Best (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 4, 2022 by koumon atsu (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 6, 2022 by Ingvild Tronvik (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 8, 2022 by forget bart (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken May 21, 2022 by Роман Ковальчук (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 6, 2022 by Ingvild Tronvik (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken Jun 6, 2022 by Ingvild Tronvik (cc-by-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/7270682)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:828402-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Actinidia kolomikta (Rupr. & Maxim.) Maxim.)
