Infestation of hardy kiwi reported in Avon, Conn.

AVON, Conn. – The Connecticut Department of Transportation reported that the infestation of hardy kiwi has continued to spread since 2008 on roadway embankment slopes, trees and telephone poles.

Connecticut’s latest invader, the hardy kiwi, is a woody perennial vine native to eastern Asia. The vines can reach 100 feet high, and the elongated leaves are two to five inches with red petioles. The dioecious plants produce edible fruits the size of grapes.