Yellow Kiwi Plant Minkimale (male) - Actinidia chinensis

Actinidia chinensis 'Minkimale' is a variety of kiwi that offers beautiful fragrant white flowers in May and June. This is a male plant, which will not produce fruit but will enable pollination of 'Minkigold' female plants'. It is a recent variety from French breeder Marionnet. The kiwi needs to be trained along a pergola, trellis or arbor. Planting is ideally done in autumn or throughout the year, as long as there is no frost.

The Kiwi (Actinidia chinensis or deliciosa), also known as Chinese gooseberry, yang tao or vegetable mouse, belongs to the family of actinidiaceae. Originating from China, the kiwi is a vigorous climbing vine that can grow up to 3m (10ft) per year under favourable conditions. This climbing plant needs to be trained on a solid support, such as a wall with sturdy wires, a trellis, a pergola, a tree trunk or a fence. It can reach a height of 6m (20ft) and a spread of 4m (13ft) and requires pruning to control its growth.

The Kiwi is very hardy, able to withstand temperatures as low as -15°C (5°F), but is sensitive to late frosts as the buds freeze at -5°C (23°F). Its foliage is deciduous. The stems bear large, smooth, ovate leaves, dark matte green on the upper side and lighter underneath, covered with small red hairs, just like the stems. From the third or fourth year of cultivation, clusters of flowers appear in May-June on the previous year's branches. These are fragrant flowers with broad petals, cream-white in colour, and have numerous yellow stamens.

Kiwi is rich in vitamin C, dietary fibre, and minerals such as potassium, magnesium, and calcium. Harvesting takes place around November, before the frosts. One male plant can pollinate approximately 5 to 6 female plants. Only the female plants produce fruit.