Actinidia chinensis

Description

The Kiwi (Actinidia chinensis) is an excellent choice for agroforestry applications due to its numerous benefits and uses. This vigorous climbing plant, native to China, is now cultivated worldwide for its delicious fruits. The Kiwi can climb up to 9 meters high and reach a width of up to 3 meters, with a moderate growth rate. This makes it an ideal choice for creating shade and providing support to other crops in agroforestry systems. Kiwis thrive best in a temperate climate with warm summers and cool winters. They prefer well-drained, fertile soils with a pH between 6.0 and 6.5, indicating a balanced acidity level for optimal growth, where the soil is neither too acidic nor too alkaline. The fruits of the Kiwi are delicious eaten raw or cooked and contain small seeds that are easily edible. The leaves are also edible when cooked and are an excellent source of vitamin C and other nutrients. To allow the Kiwi to thrive, regular pruning is necessary to control growth and promote fruit production. A sturdy support is also required for climbing. In agroforestry systems, the Kiwi offers numerous benefits, including soil stabilization through its extensive root system, biodiversity through its attractiveness to pollinators and other animals, and food for animals and pollinators. These benefits make the Kiwi a valuable and desirable addition to any agroforestry system, not only providing a rich harvest but also contributing to a healthy and balanced ecosystem.

Guilds