Hardy Kiwi

A deciduous climbing plant in the Actinidiaceae family, dioecious or polygamo-dioecious. Also called 'shirakuchi-kazura', 'kokuwa', or 'baby kiwi'. Grows at montane forest edges. The fruit resembles a small kiwifruit and is eaten skin-and-all, with a sweet-tart flavor. The Japanese name means 'monkey pear' from monkeys eating the fruit.

Identification Points

• ✓Twining vine climbing other trees
• ✓Broadly ovate leaves with serrated margins
• ✓Small green ovoid fruit, 2–3 cm across

Morphological TraitsAI-estimated, needs verification

Phylogenetic Positionマタタビ科 →