A vigorous deciduous fruiting vine (family Actinidiceae) that is native to central China, where it commonly grows in moist and sheltered areas on the forest edges. Kiwifruit requires both the female cultivar and a male pollenizer for successful fruit production. The kiwifruit industry depends on a single female cultivar, Hayward, the fruit having a creamy-white central core, black-brown seeds, and a bright translucent green outer flesh surrounded by a light brown fuzzy skin. It is adapted to moderate climates in the temperate zone and requires 600–850 h of winter chilling (temperatures between 32 and 45°F or 0 and 7°C) to ensure uniform budbreak. Kiwifruit wood is susceptible to winter injury at temperatures below 14°F (−10°C), and flower buds can be damaged by frost below 29°F (−1.5°C).