Where Do Kiwi Fruit Come From?

Kiwi Fruit Came From The Chinese Gooseberry

The Chinese gooseberry is has been cultivated in China for over 3000 years. The fruit grows on a climbing vine, like grapes. The vines grow very large and are supported by a trellis. They are a tropical fruit requiring a long, warm growing season and a very mild winter season to prevent splitting of the vine and damage to the buds.

Kiwi fruit was developed from the Chinese gooseberry from seeds brought to New Zealand in 1904. They were briefly given the name, 'melonette' before they were given the Maori name 'Kiwi'.