Wild kiwifruit is here defined as the wild varieties of Actinidia spp. only.
Vigorous, perennial, densely hairy vine. Shoots and petioles are reddish. Leaves are large and broadly ovate. Flowers are large and white. Fruit is densely hairy, with brown skin and green flesh.
To help protect our environment:
Forest, gullies, shelter belts, scrubland.
Seeds dispersed by birds. Human-mediated dispersal through use as livestock feed and dropping fruit remains once eaten.
Forms dense blankets, smothering vegetation. Host of Pseudomonas syringae pv. Actinidiae (PSA), a serious pathogen of commercial kiwifruit.
Do not attempt to undertake control of this species. Please report to Auckland Council.
CAUTION: When using any herbicide or pesticide please read the label thoroughly to ensure that all instructions and safety requirements are followed.
