Appearance

Growth form

A deciduous climbing vine.

Leaves

Its oval leaves are fairly thick and glossy.

Flowers

Small white flowers grow where leaves join the stem.

Fruit

The oval fruit is about 1–1½ in (3–4 cm) long and develops brown speckles.

Look-alikes

hardy kiwiActinidia arguta

Both are climbing kiwi relatives. Actinidia rufa fruit develops brown speckles, while ripe hardy kiwi fruit stays green. A leaf-only photo may not be enough to separate them.

Where it lives

Typical habitats

• East Asian coastal and island forests

Range

This vine is native to southwestern Korea, Japan, and Taiwan.

Name and classification

About the name

It was once considered a variety of hardy kiwi (Actinidia arguta) and called Actinidia arguta var. rufa.

Conservation

IUCN Red List

NENot Evaluated·Not yet assessed