BIO-ECOLOGICAL PROPERTIES AND PHARMACEUTICAL SIGNIFICANCE OF THE KIWI (ACTINIDIA DELICIOSA) PLANT

Abstract

Kiwifruit (Actinidia deliciosa) is one of the most nutritious fruits in the world. It belongs to the Actinidiaceae family and was originally known as a wild plant growing in southeastern China. Later, it was cultivated by New Zealand breeders and spread throughout the world. Today, kiwifruit is widely cultivated mainly in New Zealand, Italy, China, Greece and the United States. Kiwifruit is a perennial plant belonging to the liana (climbing vine) type, which can grow up to 30 meters in its natural environment. Its leaves are large, round or heart-shaped, and covered with hairs. The flowering period falls on spring and usually has white or yellowish flowers. The fruit is green or yellowish in color, covered with a thin hairy skin. The inside is green, sweet and sour, and contains small black seeds.