Hardy Kiwi Jumbo (male) - Actinidia arguta

The Kiwai or Siberian Prince Jumbo Kiwi is a male selection of Actinidia arguta intended for pollinating female plants such as Super Jumbo or Red Jumbo Kiwai for example. The plant produces highly fragrant white flowers in early summer, but does not bear fruit. One Prince Jumbo plant will pollinate 5 to 6 female plants. It is a vigorous, hardy, and decorative liana that can be trained along a pergola, trellis, or arbor. Planting is preferably done in autumn, in rich, non-calcareous soil.

The Prince Jumbo Kiwai belongs to the Actinidiaceae family, just like its more familiar cousin the Kiwi, whose Latin name is Actinidia chinensis or deliciosa. Its ancestor, known as Siberian kiwi or summer kiwi, is native to the Far East, from Russia to Taiwan, including Japan and China. It is a vigorous climbing liana, reaching a height of 5 to 6 m (16 to 20ft). Its foliage is deciduous, falling in autumn. The Kiwai is very hardy, able to withstand temperatures down to -20°C. The stems bear large heart-shaped leaves, 8 to 10 cm (3 to 4in) in length, with fine teeth ending in bristles. In early summer (June-July), fragrant and nectar-rich flowers appear, white-green in color with purple anthers, grouped in threes in the axils of the leaves.

For the female plants, flowering is followed by the formation of ovoid berries, smaller than kiwis (2 to 4 cm (1 to 2in) in diameter), with smooth and thin skin. The taste of the Kiwai resembles that of red currants. It is sweeter than the usual kiwi and richer in calcium and vitamin C. The flavor of the Kiwai is well-suited for modern cuisine, enhances the aroma of fruit salads, and lends itself to the preparation of sweet and savory dishes. Please note that this variety is not self-fertile. This is a male plant, which will not produce fruit. However, it will pollinate the female plants. Like the kiwi, one male plant can pollinate several female plants, around 5 to 6.

The beauty of the Kiwai, both in terms of its foliage and its fragrant flowering, makes it a plant also used for garden ornamentation. It is necessary to train this plant on a sturdy support, such as a wall with strong wires, a trellis, a pergola, a tree trunk, or a fence.