Actinidia

/ˌæk.tɪˈnɪd.i.ə/ noun

Definition

A genus of climbing woody vines native to Asia, including the kiwifruit plant.

Etymology

From Greek 'aktis' (ray) + '-idia' (diminutive suffix), likely referring to the radial arrangement of stamens in the flowers. The name was given by botanists to highlight the distinctive star-like flower structure.

Kelly Says

Kiwifruit vines are named actinidia because their flowers have petals arranged in a perfect starburst pattern—this radial design is so common in nature that Greeks made 'aktis' (ray) one of their most important descriptive words.

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