Family: Actinidiaceae
Author: Planch.
Bibliography: London J. Bot. 6: 303 (1847)
Year: 1847
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Actinidia
Vegetable: Unknown
Observations: C. & S. China
Description
Golden kiwifruit, scientifically known as Actinidia chinensis, is a vibrant and nutritious addition to the world of fruits. First documented in 1847 in the London Journal of Botany, and described by the botanist Planch., this fruit has captured the interest of horticulturists and health enthusiasts alike. Hailing from the regions of Central and Southern China, the golden kiwifruit is celebrated not only for its unique, sweet taste but also for its rich nutritional profile.
This fruit belongs to the Actinidiaceae family, a group known for various other species of kiwifruits and ornamental plants. Characterized by its smooth, hairless skin and a bright, golden flesh, the golden kiwifruit stands out from its more common green-fleshed counterpart, Actinidia deliciosa. The deliciously sweet and tangy flavor, coupled with a softer texture, makes it distinct and highly appealing to the palate.
Golden kiwifruit thrives in well-drained, fertile soil with a preference for temperate climates, mirroring the conditions found in its native Chinese habitats. The plant is a vigorous climber, often requiring sturdy support for optimum growth. Its heart-shaped leaves and fragrant white flowers precede the development of the fruit, which matures with a smooth, edible skin.
From a nutritional standpoint, golden kiwifruit is a powerhouse. It is an excellent source of vitamin C, surpassing even that of oranges, and is rich in dietary fiber, antioxidants, and other essential nutrients. This makes it an ideal choice for boosting the immune system, aiding digestion, and promoting overall health.
Golden kiwifruits are versatile in culinary applications. They can be enjoyed fresh, added to fruit salads, blended into smoothies, or used as a garnish for desserts. Additionally, their vibrant color and aesthetic appeal make them an attractive ingredient in gourmet dining.
In summary, the golden kiwifruit, Actinidia chinensis, is not just a delightful fruit but a testament to the rich biodiversity of the Central and Southern Chinese regions. Its unique characteristics, eclectic flavor, and impressive health benefits cement its place as a cherished fruit in both local and international markets.
Common Names
Fra: actinidia
Eng: chinese soft-hair kiwi, kiwi, gold kiwifruit, golden kiwifruit
Ita: kiwi
Swe: gul kiwi
Por: kiwi, kiwi-ouro, quivi
En: Golden kiwifruit, Gold kiwifruit, Chinese soft-hair kiwi, Kiwi, Kiwi fruit
Az: Çin aktinidiyası
Zh: Zhong hua mi hou tao, 中华猕猴桃, 中華獼猴桃
Cs: Aktinidie čínská
Da: Almindelig kiwi
Eo: Ora kivo
Et: Hiina aktiniidia
Fr: Actinidia, Kiwi
De: Kiwi
Ht: Pye kiwi
It: Kiwi
Ko: 골드키위
Ml: കിവിപ്പഴം
Fa: کیوی چینی
Pl: Kiwi
Pt: Kiwi, Kiwi-ouro, Quivi
Es: Kiwi
Sv: Gul kiwi
Zh-tw: 中華獼猴桃
Zh-hant: 中華獼猴桃
Synonyms
Distribution
- China North-Central (native)
- China South-Central (native)
- China Southeast (native)
- Taiwan (native)
- Arkansas (introduced)
- Czechoslovakia (introduced)
- New Zealand North (introduced)
- New Zealand South (introduced)
- Sweden (introduced)
Additional Images
Fruit
Taken Dec 17, 2021 by William Coville (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 22, 2022 by George Stam (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 17, 2021 by William Coville (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 17, 2019 by olmos teresa (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 4, 2019 by cepenafiel3m (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Oct 25, 2019 by A Isusi I (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 23, 2021 by Jean-François Deloustal (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 27, 2019 by Denis Bastianelli (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 19, 2021 by Manuëlle (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 8, 2017 by Émile Maurice (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken Sep 1, 2022 by Christian Andersen (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 26, 2022 by morinsky (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 24, 2016 by Pierre Bonnet (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 24, 2016 by Pierre Bonnet (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 28, 2022 by Monteiro Henrique (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken May 5, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Geneviève Botti (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 20, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Dominique REMAUD (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 30, 2021 by Boumlik Messaïli (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 20, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Dominique REMAUD (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 9, 2021 by grutz (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Sep 8, 2022 by Pierre GÜDEL (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Encyclopedia of Life (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Gerhard Elsner (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Encyclopedia of Life (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 8, 2017 by Émile Maurice (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken May 15, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Geneviève Botti (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 15, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Geneviève Botti (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 20, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Dominique REMAUD (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 30, 2020 by Triviño Mercedes (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 20, 2017 by Serge Facchin (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.
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3189694)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:828396-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Actinidia chinensis Planch.)
